Sandwell Virtual School Newsletter

🌸Welcome to our Spring Edition🌸

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Virtual School Newsletter. Many of you will already know me, but I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself as the interim Virtual School Head following Balwant Bains' departure in December.

I have worked within the Virtual School for many years and bring extensive experience of understanding the impact of care on children’s educational needs. I am committed to continuing the strong relationships we have built with schools, social workers and carers, and to further raising expectations so every child can achieve the very best outcomes.

I would also warmly welcome your contributions to future newsletters, particularly examples of the creative and inspiring ways you support children we care for and those with a social worker. You may well hear from one of our team soon!

📊 Sandwell Virtual School – Spring Term 2026 📊

These figures reflect strong PEP compliance, high attendance, and effective exclusion prevention, while highlighting ongoing areas for targeted support.

👩‍🏫 Designated Teachers | 👥 Social Workers 👩‍🏫

We hope that the feedback provided on PEP completion is used as an aide to improve the overall quality of PEPs and to ensure that we are all striving for better outcomes for our children.

💬 A Designated Teacher recently commented that they found the feedback from the Virtual School thoroughly enjoyable to read and appreciated how it was personalised to help them understand the grade given.

📊 You will see above that 84% of PEPs are Good or Outstanding. What you may not appreciate is that this often correlates with how well our children are doing and how effective school support is.

👏 Well done and thank you for ensuring our children achieve. We want more — and we will be here to support you as we work towards 100% success.

🌟Good Luck to Our Year 6 Students🌟

Wishing all Year 6 students the very best of luck in their upcoming SATs, from Mel, Education Development Officer, and everyone at the Virtual School.

➡️Smart Target Advice➡️

Ideally, create three SMART targets, one based around pupil voice, one based on any area of concern from the SDQ score, and one around learning and development gaps.
Make these measurable, so that the child is able to achieve within the given timeframe.
Consider PP+ spend for it to have the greatest impact on both learning, development and emotional wellbeing.
Please refer to the very informative guidance by clicking here

🛎️ Designated Teacher In-Person Event 🛎️

We are delighted to invite you to our next Designated Teacher In‑Person Event, taking place at West Bromwich Albion on 25 June 2026. This event will bring together Designated Teachers from across the region for an engaging morning of updates, networking and best‑practice sharing focused on supporting Children in Our Care.

Further details and booking information will follow shortly — please add the date to your diary.

💻EPEP TRAINING 2025 /2026💻

For Designated Teachers and Social Workers

This training takes place via Teams, to book your place please email: Michelle_geer1@sandwell.gov.uk

🪩Activities and Events🪩

On our website, we will be advertising all the fantastic events held for the children we care for. Please follow the link to keep up to date with upcoming opportunities and activities.

https://sandwellvirtualschool.sch.life/Page/Detail/activities-on-offer-for-children-and-adults

For up-to-date events that are happening, please take a look at the school calendar on the Sandwell Virtual School Website.

Direct link is here: https://sandwellvirtualschool.sch.life/Page/Calendar📅

A reminder for Designated Teachers to inform Sandwell Virtual School of any changes - For an update form, please email Michelle_Geer1@sandwell.gov.uk