Virtual school for looked after children
Supporting Looked After Children in Education (LACE)
All parents want their children to have the best start in life and to reach their full potential. Sandwell Council has corporate parenting responsibility for looked after children and, like all parents, valuing and supporting children's education is one of the most important contributions the council can make to their lives.
The Sandwell Virtual School (LACE) has high aspirations for looked after children and ensure that children and young people are given every opportunity to access the best education, giving them the chance to achieve their potential.
What is the virtual school?
The virtual school provides access to a multidisciplinary team through strong links with the many individuals, teams, schools and agencies that are involved in supporting the education of looked after children. From September 2018 the VSH has an additional role to offer advice and guidance to previously looked after children and young people.
The team consists of a head teacher, Operations Manager, Advisory Teacher, six Engagement and Education Officers and an Office Manager and Administrator, we also have an additional two members of staff working with children with a social worker.
The service is managed by Education Services.
Who is the virtual school For?
The Virtual School provides advice, guidance and support to children who are looked after by Sandwell Council and wherever they are placed.
The virtual school does not replace the school or educational provision of a looked after child - it is an additional resource which exists to support and challenge all those involved in the education of looked after children.
The virtual school is involved in or promotes various initiatives to support the educational achievement of looked after children. These include:
- Out of school clubs and activities
- The Boarding School Pathfinder Programme
- Pupil Premium funded initiatives
- Training and advice for schools, council staff and carers.
Did you know?
- There are approximately 800 children in the care of Sandwell Council (April 2023);
- Approximately 70% of these children are of school age and attend schools in and around Sandwell;
- Approximately 100 children, who are in the care of other local authorities, also attend Sandwell schools.
Contact us
The Lace Virtual School
The Hollies STEPS Centre
Coopers Lane
Smethwick
B67 7DW
Email: LACE_Team@sandwell.gov.uk
Telephone: 0121 569 2770