Sandwell Virtual School Newsletter

🎙️Continued success for our ESOL classes!🎙️

The ESOL classes have been a great success. In Cohort 2, 12 young people enrolled on the programme, increasing to 15 in Cohort 3.

All participants actively engaged with the sessions, showing a strong commitment to learning. Through tailored, interactive activities, they developed their communication skills significantly—both in speaking and understanding English in real-world situations. This growth in language ability also boosted their confidence, helping them participate more fully in both the classroom and their wider communities.

Cohort 2 celebrated their progress with a special trip to a West Bromwich Albion vs. Hull City, which offered both a cultural experience and a team-building opportunity.

Cohort 3 is currently involved in a creative project in partnership with Care to Dance. This initiative is helping them explore self-expression, teamwork, and emotional well-being through movement and performance — further enriching their ESOL journey.

🧳Malthouse Pre-Residential Trip Update🧳

On Saturday 14th June, Year 6 students joined staff from our team and the West Bromwich Albion Foundation for a fun-filled pre-residential day at Malthouse Stables. The morning kicked off with an exciting kayaking session along the Tipton canal, where the young people learned the value of teamwork and communication while navigating the water and greeting friendly passers-by.

After a shared lunch back at the centre, the group took part in a series of energetic team-building activities led by WBAF. The students threw themselves into each challenge, building confidence, friendships, and anticipation for the upcoming residential in July.

The day was a great success—full of smiles, new experiences, and growing excitement for what’s to come!

⛳Dinosaur Adventure Golf Brings Roars of Joy This Whitsun!⛳

On Tuesday 27th May 2025, during the Whitsun half-term break, 40 children in our care were treated to a thrilling day out at Dinosaur World Adventure Golf at Calderfields Golf Club—completely free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the WMVS Foundation (Black Country).

All 40 places were eagerly snapped up, including six children from the Sandwell area. Although the weather wasn’t on our side that day, with two children unable to attend due to the rain, they were thankfully able to enjoy the experience later in the week once the skies cleared.

Despite the drizzle, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The children had a fantastic time navigating the prehistoric-themed course, with many sharing how much they enjoyed the adventure—rain or shine!

🥐Breakfast Briefing Neglect Training🥐

On Wednesday 25^th June Sandwell Virtual School held its first breakfast briefing for all professionals who support children with a Social Worker. At this meeting we discussed how we can support schools and professionals to gain the best outcomes for this vulnerable cohort of children by sharing case studies and our current offer. In addition Jade Maynard attended the meeting to discuss the Safeguarding Partnership’s Neglect strategy and explored how we can all work together to really make a difference for Sandwell children. We hope this will be the first of many such events bringing professionals together to share good practice and jointly work to problem solve the challenges we face.

Sandwell Virtual School have offered a range of training aimed specifically at Designated Safeguarding Leads and Social Workers in areas such as; Attendance, Foetal Alcohol syndrome, Previously Looked After Children, Trauma and Attachment & Working effectively together with Social workers. Whilst this term we have offered these as online sessions, we are particularly welcoming schools and settings who would like us to deliver these sessions to their whole team. If you would like to discuss this further please contact Scott_johnson@sandwell.gov.uk  or Rachael_Wolffel@sandwell.gov.uk 

💃Want to Learn to dance?💃

Learn new skills, have fun and get active at the same time!

Sandwell and Dudley Virtual Schools, along with Care to Dance are offering you weekly dance lessons for children and young people aged 7-25 years old.

The sessions will be held at:

➡️Bedazzle, Priory House, 2 Priory Rd, Dudley DY1 1HH (for 7-15 year olds) on Mondays.

➡️Coneygre Community Centre, Sedgley Rd E, Tipton DY4 8UH (for 14-25 year old care experienced young people) on Tuesdays.

Please see the attached flyer for more information and how to register your interest.

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