We are a growing team of people who are passionate about supporting young people in care and those who were previously in care, to achieve the best education they can, develop the interests they love and to help prepare them for their future lives.

As a Virtual School , we are committed to West Cheshire Children’s Trust and  'Our Way of Working’ which is about developing a common and consistent approach to working with families in a trauma informed way, using shared language. Our main focus is to support the outcomes of Children Looked After and we also work with partner agencies to promote the education of Children Previously Looked After and those with a Social Worker. Our Way of Working is embedded within the Virtual School’s Business Plan – our priority is to ensure that all Personal Education Plan (PEP) documents are written to the child or young person using trauma informed language throughout. The Virtual School has developed one page profiles for children making key educational transitions, these are guided by a person centred approach and use of trauma informed language.

We work with social workers, carers, school staff and other professionals to ensure aspirational targets are set for all our young people and the right support is in place to help them achieve their potential in all areas of their lives.

We recognise there are often barriers to learning and that emotional support and wellbeing are important before learning can take place. Through joined up working and listening to the child’s views, usually within the PEP meeting, we hope to provide the best outcomes for all our young people.

Please take time to look through our website which provides more information and highlights all the things we do in supporting each young person to to fulfil our vision of Growing aspirations to reach potential.

Alison Ismail

Acting Headteacher of Cheshire West and Chester Virtual School