Designated teachers for Children Looked After - Summer briefing

Message from Andrew Martin, headteacher Ealing virtual school.

On Thursday morning we held the summer term briefing for designated teachers. It was great to meet such a committed group of colleagues who so clearly want the very best for our most vulnerable children in Ealing.

Engaging conversation

We used the time to discuss and share practice about how to best support children in their transitions between lessons and into the next phase of their education. It was a very engaging conversation that covered a range of approaches including schools giving children packs of equipment that will help them, to creating opportunities for children to build relationships with their peers and also with staff.

One of the most powerful illustrations was about showing children that there is a team around them who are there to support them – done with a photo of the child with those key people stood around them. Something for them to have as well as the adults in their life.

Updates and training

I was also able to talk through a range of updates released by the DfE over the last few months and for colleagues with early years provisions, a very exciting opportunity to take up a new curriculum offer that covers wellbeing, mental health, social justice and equity for our youngest learners.

If you are interested in learning, please do get in touch; if you are interested in the provision and CLA will benefit, then I am keen to help you.

Feedback

We would very much welcome some specific feedback about the virtual school. There are 12 questions asking about pupil premium plus and personal education plans. I would really appreciate your views on these questions.

If you have a moment, please complete our short survey (4 minutes): https://forms.office.com/e/f1gpWPLCuV

Thank you

I have had the pleasure of visiting some schools and meeting senior colleagues across a few schools in Ealing and I hope to see and meet more soon.

Thank you for all of the support that you offer Ealings Children in Care, for Children who have been Previously Looked After and also for those children on the edge of care, Children with a Social Worker.

I look forward to working with you and getting to know you and your school/setting soon.