This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.
All local authorities must have a virtual school head (VSH) in charge of promoting the educational achievement of the children looked after by the authority that appoints them. Many VSHs are experienced teachers and some have been school heads. Many schools are likely to have only 1 or 2 children in care on their register, and staff may be unfamiliar with their issues. The VSH’s role is to:
know how the looked-after children are doing
help school staff and social workers to find out about the extra needs of these children and any additional support available to them
VSHs also work with the children’s services department of the local authority and with all schools in the area on initiatives to promote the education of children in care. Guidance for VSHs on managing pupil premium funding for looked-after children is available.