Cared for Children

The governing body of an academy must ensure that an appropriately qualified and experienced member of staff (known as the Designated Teacher) undertakes the responsibilities within the school to promote the educational achievement of cared for and previously cared for children on the school’s roll. They must also ensure that the designated teacher undertakes training that is appropriate to carrying out this duty.

The Designated Teacher at Ryhope Infant School Academy is the Headteacher – Mrs Allen.

Virtual School

Since 2014 all local authorities are required to appoint an officer to discharge the duty placed on every local authority under the Children Act 1989 to promote the educational achievement of the children it looks after as if they were in a single school. The Virtual School Head (VSH) role is about raising attainment and ensuring progression of all cared for children from that authority. They work strategically across the authority and with schools 49 to monitor and support the educational achievement of cared for children as if they were in a single school.

Sunderland Virtual School for Cared for Children

Sunderland Virtual School provides personalised learning support to ensure that cared for Children and young people receive the best education and learning experiences and opportunities to maximise their education outcomes. This enables them to achieve beyond expectations, build upon their successes and improve progression and future economic well-being.

They negotiate with schools to offer:

• Vocational learning
• 1 – 1 tuition
• Negotiation of curriculum
• Personalised timetables
• Re-engagement plans
• Advice to schools

Criteria for access

The child must be a pupil in care of the Local Authority.

Universal Services

It is a Local Authority service for schools

Targeted Services

The service is targeted at those pupils who are cared for by the Local Authority.

Specialist Services

All tutors and Inclusion Officers are fully qualified and experienced

Who to contact

Telephone

Main Contact: 0191 561 5776
Alternative Contact: 0191 561 5696

Where to go

Name

Tudor Grove Centre

Address

Portland Road
Sunderland

SR3 1SS