Meeting our service
A family enter our service when a child or young person (aged 2 up to 18) comes into the care of London Borough of Sutton. The family will include the child, the carer/s and the child’s social worker.
When a child or young person comes into care, Sutton Virtual School receive notification. We then contact the social worker to gain further information. We find out about the child or young person’s education and contact details for the carer/s.
Sutton Virtual School provide an Education Advisor to the child or young person’s whilst in care. The Education Advisor arranges the initial PEP (personal education plan) meeting. This happens within the first 20 days of the child or young person coming into care.
Carers and new social workers should read the Sutton Virtual School new to care starter pack and view the accompanying film below This has detailed information about the service offer. It also explains how we will work together throughout the child’s education journey.
All children aged 2-3 will receive a Cubbie bear within the first month since coming into care. This helps carers encourage reading from a very early age. All children aged 2-11 receive a Letterbox or Dolly Parton Imagination Library package each half term. This contains age appropriate books supporting the development of reading in the home.
What can families expect from the service?
Sutton Virtual School aims to achieve strong relationships with our families. We will be available to answer any queries and will intervene on educational issues. Our Education Advisors commit to attending at least one PEP each year. We aim to attend a PEP term. PEPs will either be virtual or in person.
You will receive updates through our Virtual Voice newsletter or through our website or Twitter.
How do I gain support if I have a question?
All our contact details are updated and available on our website so please give us a call or send us an email and we will do our best to help you promptly.
Online resources to support
Sutton Virtual School website – families