The virtual school
Peter McNamarra, virtual headteacher, SalfordOnce the virtual school is in place, virtual heads need to think more broadly about pupils’ curriculum entitlements including the vital importance of personal finance education that will promote their longer term economic wellbeing.
First suggested by a government white paper in 2007, and piloted in eleven local authorities during 2008-2009, it is suggested that each local council employs an experienced teacher (virtual head) to oversee the educational progress of all children under the care of that local authority. These children together make up the virtual school.
A single school may have only one or two children in care on their registers and may be unfamiliar with the issues. The virtual headteacher will have the specialist knowledge to provide extra support to designated teachers. They also have a 'bigger picture' remit to work with all professionals in the local authority and with all its schools to promote the education of children in care.
The virtual head’s focus on attainment helps schools to look at learning targets rather then simply pastoral care needs. In many authorities the virtual head also works hard to engage schools that may be reluctant to take on pupils with complex needs – some of whom have challenging behaviour as a result. They also help social workers understand the need for them to champion specific learning targets for a student.
pfeg aims to encourage virtual heads – and designated teachers – to include financial capability in personal education plans (PEPs).
