Young people (Virtual School)

Contents

Pupils

All children and young people, between the ages of 4 and 19, who are in the care of Surrey County Council automatically become part of Surrey's Virtual School.

There is an explanation on this site of what we are here to do.

At any one time there are between 500 and 550 pupils in our School, who are attending 'real' schools in places across the UK. In every school there will be a Designated Teacher, who is responsible for supporting and helping you to make the most of your education during, what can be, tough times.

If you don't know who they are, ask your Class or Form teacher and if that fails just get in touch with us and we'll let you know.

Personal Education Plan (PEP)

An important part of making sure you're able to succeed with your education is your Personal Education Plan (PEP).

We know you will have many different adults involved in your life just now putting together lots of paperwork, but your PEP is a really important document that will highlight not only all your successes, but also the things you might find difficult - with solutions to help you.

You should be a part of any conversations about your PEP, so that you get the right support and so that your views are heard. As you get older you should consider 'chairing' your own PEP meetings.

Whatever happens, go to these meetings, they really will make a difference for you!

Changing schools, extra teaching and post-16

If you have had to change schools - your PEP is the key document that will move with you to your new school so the new Designated Teacher can make sure things are in place for you, and teachers who need to know how best to teach you, have the information they need.

At some point you might need some extra teaching - just to help you catch up on things you may have missed because you've had to move or haven't been able to concentrate on learning for a period of time. These are things we can help to arrange through your school and your PEP.

If you're thinking about subject choices for your GCSE or considering how you might get back on the learning ladder you may also want some information about the possible routes into education or employment. Take a look at the careers advice pages for more.

Let us know too, if there are things you'd like to know that you haven't been able to find out about and we'll see what we can do for you.

Emotional wellbeing and mental health support

Looking after your mind as well as your body is really important. Wellbeing is so important as it's about your happiness and health. In the dictionary, it's described as "the state of being comfortable, happy or healthy". Keeping well can include lots of things and can sometimes be overwhelming if you don't know where to start.

You can find more wellbeing and mental health resources on the Surrey Youth Voice website.

Careers advice

Schools and colleges will offer some careers advice and there is a free national service that you can access by phone and online.

If you are thinking about an apprenticeship, this website will give you lots of information about apprenticeships across a wide range of vocational areas and allows you search for current vacancies across the country.

Please also review links on the SVS (Surrey Virtual School) website, which has information and links to other advice and guidance.

We recognise that this is an extremely anxious time for lots of young people, please speak to your social workers about your worries or concerns and ask for help to find the information and support you need.

U-Explore is a learning platform to help you 'prepare for your future, whatever that might be...' Please visit the U-Explore website to join (no login or registration necessary)

Help and advice for children in care

In care or a care leaver? Looking for help and advice? Become are the charity for children in care and young care leavers and can provide support online or over the phone.

Young adult well-being and support in libraries

You can find advice and support from a wide range of resources in Surrey's libraries, on issues such as anxiety, depression and bullying.

Surrey Music Hub

Surrey Music Hub is a network of music organisations and schools working together to bring more musical opportunities to more young people in Surrey, both in schools and in the wider community. Visit the Surrey Music website to find out what they have coming up and how you can get involved, or email surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk

In this section

See also

Home learning resources and guidance

Covid-19 guidance and resources