The team of advisory teachers work closely with designated teachers, social workers, other agencies and organisations, giving advice and help to make sure that Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for CLA are thoughtful and will aid progress. The team works hard to make sure Somerset’s CLA, aged 3 to 18, are making good progress with learning, are attending well, and being supported so that they can achieve good outcomes.

The team works with school and college staff, and social workers at times when there might be obstacles getting in the way of learning, and also arranges training and other support for staff to help them understand the difficulties which can be faced by CLA in school. The Virtual School can offer one-to-one support for some children and young people at specific times of need. For example, when moving between schools, through our small team of learning mentors.

Advice and guidance is given to schools and other education settings to support the learning of CLA (children looked after) aged 3 to 18, and PLAC (previously looked after children) — children and young people who have been adopted from local authority care, or have a special guardianship or child arrangement order.

SENIT Leaflet

Type of provision

Universal - This is for everyone, including people with special educational needs and disabilities