Frequently asked questions for parents/carers of previously looked after children and young people (PLAC)
What are Virtual School's statutory the duties towards previously looked after children?
Virtual Schools have a statutory duty (from September 2018) to provide advice, guidance and information to schools, parents and a range of professionals around improving the educational outcomes of previously looked after children. They are not corporate parents for this group of children.
St Helens Virtual School:
Headteacher: Heather Addison
PLAC Lead: Les Moon email: lesleymoon@sthelens.gov.uk
For more information, call 01744 671092.
My school does not seem to understand the needs of my PLAC. What can I do?
School staff are very welcome to contact the Virtual School for advice and support. There are various training opportunities available to them through our DT Forum meetings.
Parents are also welcome to email the Virtual School if they need advice or guidance on school matters.
How do I support my child with transition to primary or secondary school?
We would recommend that parents discuss their child's specific needs with the school staff before they start a new school. There should be a good transition plan in place with plenty of opportunity for the child to make visits and connections with staff in the new school. Preschool staff and school staff should liaise with parents around supporting the transition.
Most primary and secondary schools have transition arrangements in place to support the move from primary school to secondary school. This will usually include opportunities for the summer term for the child to spend time at the secondary school and have additional visits to get to know other students, and be introduced to key members of staff. If you feel further support is needed, speak to the child's primary school about how they can help and also make contact with the secondary school to explain your concerns and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
You may also find these leaflets helpful
Permanently Placed Children: Key Questions for Primary Schools
Permanently Placed Children: Key Questions for Secondary Schools
Some parts of the curriculum can be very traumatic for my child - How can I work with the school to ensure this does not happen?
If you feel a child may be affected by particular areas of the school curriculum, it may be useful at the beginning of each academic year to talk to the class teacher or Head of Year to discuss any potentially difficult areas of the curriculum.
Some common areas that Adopters highlight include topic work on families, family trees, WW2 evacuation, writing personal biographies, and any subject that includes an element of grief or loss.
What are Virtual School's statutory the duties towards previously looked after children?
Virtual Schools have a statutory duty (from September 2018) to provide advice, guidance and information to schools, parents and a range of professionals around improving the educational outcomes of previously looked after children. They are not corporate parents for this group of children.
My school does not seem to understand the needs of my PLAC. What can I do?
School staff are very welcome to contact the Virtual School for advice and support. There are various training opportunities available to them through our DT Network meetings.
Parents are also welcome to email the Virtual School if they need advice or guidance on school matters.
How do I support my child with transition to primary or secondary school?
We would recommend that parents discuss their child's specific needs with the school staff before they start a new school. There should be a good transition plan in place with plenty of opportunity for the child to make visits and connections with staff in the new school. Preschool staff and school staff should liaise with parents around supporting the transition.
Most primary and secondary schools have transition arrangements in place to support the move from primary school to secondary school. This will usually include opportunities for the summer term for the child to spend time at the secondary school, and have additional visits to get to know other students, and be introduced to key members of staff. If you feel further support is needed, speak to the child's primary school about how they can help and also make contact with the secondary school to explain your concerns and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
You may also find these leaflets helpful https://www.pac-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Key-Questions-for-Primary-Schools-V1.2-1.pdf https://www.pac-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Key-Questions-for-Secondary-Schools-V1.2-1.pdf
Some parts of the curriculum can be very traumatic for my child - How can I work with the school to ensure this does not happen?
If you feel a child may be affected by particular areas of the school curriculum, it may be useful at the beginning of each academic year to talk to the class teacher or Head of Year to discuss any potentially difficult areas of the curriculum.
Some common areas that Adopters highlight include topic work on families, family trees, WW2 evacuation, writing personal biographies, and any subject that includes an element of grief or loss.
Share this page
