The Virtual School has a strategic leadership role to improve educational outcomes for all children with a social worker, including those with Child Protection and Child in Need plans.

We are focusing particularly on improving attendance and reducing exclusions for these children.

This strategic role primarily involves advice and guidance to professionals working directly with these children. This includes: social workers, designated safeguarding leads and wider professionals.

We are pleased to offer team training sessions—either in person or online—available for booking from September 2026. Each session lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour but can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your team upon request.

Available training topics include:

The Impact of Trauma on Learners

• What is trauma?
• Developmental trauma and the brain
• The window of tolerance

Understanding Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

• What is FASD?
• Signs and symptoms
• Supporting pupils with FASD in school

Supporting Previously Looked-After Children (PLAC)

• Who is ‘Previously Looked After?’
• The Virtual School
• What are the challenges?
• Statutory support

Introduction to PACE for vulnerable learners:

• What is trauma?
• Connection before correction.
• Supporting self-regulation & P.A.C.E.

Successful transitions for vulnerable learners

• Why are transitions challenging for this group
• Practical tools to navigate transitions well

Supporting learners with SEND who are additionally vulnerable.

• Supporting the identification of SEN for vulnerable children
• Local authority support offer for Vulnerable groups

If you would like to discuss any of the training sessions or book a session for your team, please contact:

Scott Johnson

📧 Scott_Johnson@sandwell.gov.uk

Rachael Wolffel

📧 Rachael_Wolffel@sandwell.gov.uk