To Book a Consultation:
Please obtain consent from the parent/carer or, where appropriate, from the child’s social worker acting as the corporate parent, using the Educational Psychology Consultation Consent Form. For young people aged 16 and over, please use the following form to obtain consent directly from the young person:
Young People 16+ Virtual School Consultation Only 2026–2027 EP Request Form
Once consent has been obtained, please send the completed form to: eva.brown@cognus.org.uk
You should then complete the Booking Request form to book a slot and notify any professionals you have asked us to invite so that they are aware we will be contacting them.
For any queries, please contact:
Hannah Miles
Sutton Virtual School Advisor
hannah.miles@cognus.org.uk
About:
We offer free consultations for professionals working with Sutton children and young people who fall within the remit of the Virtual School, including children and young people who are:
- Receiving support through Family Help Social Worker (previously Child in Need)
- Subject to a Child Protection Plan
- Children Looked After (CLA)
- Previously Looked After Children (PCLA)
- Have current or previous involvement from a Social Worker
- Living in Kinship Care
- Subject to a Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
Consultations provide a collaborative problem-solving space where professionals can reflect on barriers, explore effective strategies, and agree clear, practical next steps to support the child or young person.
Who Is This For?
Social workers and school staff, including (but not exhaustive):
- Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
- Head teachers (HT)
- Designated Teachers (DTs)
- SENCOs
- Teachers and pastoral staff
Working with children and young people who:
- Are receiving support through Family Help Social Worker (previously Child in Need)
- Are subject to a Child Protection Plan
- Are Children Looked After (CLA)
- Are Previously Looked After Children (PCLA)
- Have current or previous social worker involvement
- Are subject to a Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
- Are living in Kinship Care
The format of the consultations:
Our Virtual School consultations provide an opportunity for professionals to come together and focus on improving educational outcomes for children and young people.
During the 45-minute consultation, the discussion will focus on identifying strengths, exploring any barriers to learning, and considering practical strategies to support the education, wellbeing, attendance, progress and engagement of the child or young person.
The consultation is a collaborative space where participants can share information, discuss concerns and develop solutions to help ensure the child or young person is able to achieve their potential.
Following the Consultation
Following the consultation, a consultation record will be completed and shared with the relevant network. This record will summarise the discussion, recommendations, agreed actions and next steps to support the child or young person.
New for September 2026!
To ensure that support continues beyond the initial consultation, Hannah Miles will arrange a follow-up meeting approximately six weeks after the consultation.
The purpose of this follow-up meeting is to:
- Review progress against agreed actions.
- Consider the impact of any strategies implemented.
- Identify any ongoing challenges.
- Explore whether any further support, advice or guidance can be offered.
The date and arrangements for the follow-up meeting will be agreed during the initial consultation.
Together, these consultations aim to provide ongoing, practical support that helps children and young people feel connected, supported and able to thrive in education.