The headteacher of the virtual school for children looked after presented the report to the committee and in doing so, explained the virtual school monitored and supported the educational process and outcomes for children looked after. She continued to advise the responsibility of the school covered pupils aged between three and 18 years and also included those who had left care during an academic school year.

Members heard the cohort numbers of pupils was part of the virtual school had remained relatively consistent over the academic year, the headteacher of the virtual schools continued to explain due to the cancellation of all exams for the previous year 2020 there was no attainment data to be reported.

She continued by explaining the progress and outcomes of all pupils were still monitored very closely for the academic year and support was still provided for those children transitioning from into years seven and eleven. Members heard the virtual school had been working with all schools and colleges to support pupils as they moved into new educational establishments.

Members were advised as a minimum requirement every looked after child age between three and eighteen years were required to have a Personal Educational Plan (PEP) that was reviewed as a minimum of every six months. It was explained that reviews were to be taken more frequently and therefore PEP were produced every school term. It was further explained at the end of the academic year the PEP compliance rates were 99% with only one pupil who had not had a PEP within the designated timescales.

The headteacher of the virtual school mentioned that 39% of the whole cohort had been identified as either having an educational health care plan or saving additional help as SEN support, this meant that statistically Thurrocks looked after children had a high level of need compare to children nationally. She continued to explain when comparing thoughts are looked after children with all looked after children nationally in 19–20 they were 59.9% of children with special educational needs, 27.2% had an EHCP and 28.7% had SEN support, therefore compared to the looked after children nationally Thurrock had fewer pupils with SEND.

Members were notified of the number of support measures taken when the announcement to close schools happened in March 2020, despite working virtually the service adopted a business approach and made adaptions when necessary to ensure there is no disruption to the role and support given to students; such as schools offering online lessons and learning which had been improved for students going into the second lockdown.

Councillor Liddiard enquired as to whether Foster Carers were due to provide Wi-Fi for students to enable them to complete their online learning. The Strategic Lead for children looked after explained although they hadn't had any issues with Wi-Fi raised by Foster Carers they were supporting all looked after children during lockdown including online learning and any issues should be reported via Social Workers.

During discussions it was commented that some schools were struggling due to the challenge of closures, however we were working hard to maintain social bubbles and support for students whether that be online or within classrooms for a number of children. It was explained many schools were working creatively due to COVID-19 and offering online learning. As well as this schools are working closely with public health and local authority colleagues.

The headteacher of a virtual schools explained they were supporting schools and Foster Carers as well as children such as year 11 students who may wish to resit any exams assessment such as English or maths.

The Chair of the Committee enquired as to the percentage of children attending schools throughout the pandemic such as those children of key workers. The headteacher for virtual schools explained they were currently collecting such data, however most children didn't attend school in March 2020 due to the first lockdown. She continued to advise that schools were offering online learning and 97% of this was being up kept.

RESOLVED:

The Committee approves the Annual Report of the Virtual School Headteacher for the academic year 2019-2020 and uses this information to acknowledge, evaluate and, if appropriate, challenge the services that are provided for all CLA.