Guidance and support

Online resources and downloads covering services for children in care.

Foster carer guidance

For guidance for foster carers about the Essex Virtual School download our Guide for foster carers (Word, 988KB).

Recommended reading

To find out more about education for looked-after children, we recommend reading the following titles:

A Foster Carers’ Guide to Education

Barry Dixon

Published by National Teaching & Advisory Service

ISBN: 978-0-954-76276-6

Supporting Children's Learning: A training programme for foster carers

Clare Pallett, John Simmonds and Andrea Warman

Published by BAAF

ISBN: 978-1-905-66415-3

To search for and buy these books you can use the Coram BAAF bookshop and other booksellers.

Virtual school introduction

The following is an introduction to Essex Virtual School for foster carers from its headteacher John Edgar:

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to Essex Virtual School. Our core purpose is to improve educational outcomes by placing our children and young people at the very heart of everything we do and:

  • championing their interests and celebrating their successes
  • constantly striving to make sure all those working around them share the highest aspirations for their achievements

We want our children and young people to feel happy, safe and secure in settings where they receive an outstanding educational experience that will enable them to grow into confident, resilient adults.

As carers, you play a pivotal role in the education of our children and young people. Our partnership with you, social workers and schools is integral to our success as a Virtual School.

We aim to:

  • listen to your voice and ensure your views shape our processes, systems, and practice
  • fully involve you in Personal Education Planning that is an evolving and on-going process that meets children and young people's specific needs
  • continue to provide high quality training and professional development that helps you support children and young people's learning
  • provide high quality remote platforms that enable gaps in learning to be addressed at home and at school

I’m sure we’ll have many opportunities to meet each other. In the meantime, should you have any concerns regarding children and young people's education do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the Virtual School team. 

John Edgar

Headteacher Essex Virtual School