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Education of children in care – Devon Virtual School

Devon Virtual School logo

Our aim is to do all we can to ensure all children in care to Devon enjoy their education, have access to the highest quality education provision and gain their best possible outcomes.

Although we are not a real school with buildings and classrooms, the Virtual School works as any school to provide support and interventions to help each child achieve their best and thrive on their educational journey.

We work with our young people, designated teachers in schools, social workers, carers, families and other professionals to ensure high aspirations and targeted support is the shared goal of everyone involved with the young person.

We provide:

  • training for school staff, carers and social workers
  • support for children and young people in care to Devon to achieve their best in school
  • additional tuition where gaps are identified
  • support for children, schools and carers at transition points in the education journey eg. moving from year 6 to 7
  • advice and guidance for schools and families/carers of previously looked after and adopted children and those under Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs)
  • each child with a high quality Personal Education Plan (PEP) which is a central record of their educational achievement and progress, including clear targets for improvement while capturing the young person’s voice
  • summer holiday activities for our children in care
  • an area learning advocate for every child in care to get the best education offer possible
  • a smooth, supported transition and admission to school

We aim to

Aim Description
Promote High aspirations and excellent educational outcomes
Support Children and young people, carers, schools and settings
Challenge Anyone who does not deliver on our aspirations
Celebrate All our successes

Extended role of the Virtual School

The extended role of the virtual school can be found here.

Virtual School prospectus

To learn more about what we do, how we do it and how it can benefit you, check out the Virtual School prospectus (this is intended to be downloaded and printed for use offline).

Virtual School annual report – attainment and achievement

Latest news

  • Details of our Summer Holiday Outdoor and Art Activities for July/August 2024 will be available from April 2024 (email kate.clarke@devon.gov.uk for full programme or to book)

Virtual School newsletters are produced half-termly.

Information for children in care and care leavers

Find out more about the Virtual School, how it works, why it’s important and how we support children in care and care leavers

Information for schools, settings and governors

Key documents and guidance on working together to support the education of children in care

Virtual School Team

The Virtual School monitors the educational outcomes for all children in care

Support and guidance for adopted and permanently placed children and young people

Information and guidance for schools and other providers about the needs of adopted children


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