Sandwell Virtual School Newsletter

🧑‍🎤West Midlands Virtual School - Visit to Birmingham Hippodrome -Mama Mia!🧑‍🎤

The recent trip to see Birmingham Hippodrome’s production of Mamma Mia! Was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. With 96 tickets booked across 8 Virtual Schools, students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the lively performance, outstanding music, and energetic atmosphere of the show. Following the performance, students also took part in an educational talk which explored the many different career opportunities within the theatre industry and highlighted the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes to bring a production to life.

🍁Activity Day in preparation for our Year 6 Pupils transition residential adventure🍁

On Saturday 27 June, 13 Year 6 young people took part in an exciting Activity Day at Malthouse Stable as part of the preparation for their upcoming three-day transition residential.

The day began with a canoeing session, giving everyone the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and develop new skills on the water. After returning from their canoeing adventure, the group enjoyed lunch together before taking part in a range of fun and engaging team-building activities delivered by The Albion Foundation.

The activities encouraged teamwork, communication and problem-solving, helping the young people to strengthen friendships and build the confidence needed for their transition to secondary school. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by all, and an excellent opportunity for the group to get to know one another ahead of the residential experience.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making the day such a success. We are now looking forward to the three-day residential and the exciting opportunities it will bring for our young people.

🌳Edgmond Hall Residential Trip🌳

🕺The Impact of Care to Dance🕺

“Care to Dance has had a hugely positive impact on my young person’s life. Since attending, her confidence has grown significantly, which has had a ripple effect across all areas of her life.

She is now independently managing appointments, arranging her own housing matters and taking on responsibilities she would not have felt able to do before.

She loves attending the group and is now an ambassador, supporting younger members and helping them feel welcomed. Her relationships have improved greatly, and she no longer feels as isolated as she once did.

It has also re-engaged her with education, with her enrolling onto a Maths and English course in September. Seeing her confidence, independence and sense of belonging grow has been incredible.”
Personal Advisor

🧑🏼‍🏫CPD Training Event – A Day of Learning, Inspiration and Recognition🧑🏾‍🏫

On 25 June, we welcomed Designated Teachers and professionals working with vulnerable children to our annual training event at West Bromwich Albion. We were delighted to have welcomed 50 attendees out of a possible 64 to our recent CPD Training Event, making it a well-attended and highly successful day.

The programme featured a range of informative and engaging presentations from both external speakers and members of our own team. Jenny Nock delivered an insightful session on Developing Understanding and Strategies for Neurodivergent Children, providing valuable knowledge and practical approaches to support children more effectively.

We also heard from Scott and Rachael, who explored Understanding the Needs of Children who have previously been in care, sharing their expertise and experiences from within our service. Hannah Butler provided an update on Ofsted’s Greater Emphasis on Vulnerable Children, highlighting key areas for schools and professionals to consider. The day concluded with an inspiring presentation from Neil Moggan on the Rise Up Programme, encouraging a positive and aspirational approach to supporting young people.

A special highlight of the event was the presentation of our first Designated Teacher Award, recognising outstanding service and practice in supporting children and young people. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate excellence and commitment within the profession.

Overall, the event was a great success, with attendees benefiting from a wealth of information, shared learning and professional discussion. We would like to thank all our speakers and participants for contributing to such an informative and positive day.

📊 Sandwell Virtual School – Summer Term 2026 📊

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

➡️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 at: https://lace.sch.life/page/detail/pupil-premium

💻EPEP TRAINING 2026 /2027💻

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