Decision details

The Head of Inclusion Services informed Members of the opportunity to consider a joint pilot strategy between Education and Inclusion Services and Children’s Services to improve the educational outcomes of children who are looked after (CLA) by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCTCBC) through the creation of a Virtual School Model (VSM).

Members were advised that the proposal to pilot an integrated model of support would promote the educational achievement of CLA who attend both in county and out of county educational settings. It was also explained that the proposal would promote opportunities to develop more inclusive practices within schools and to support the implementation of wider educational reforms to meet the needs of learners who are CLA.

The Cabinet Member for Children Services welcomed the pilot and referenced the need to improve the educational outcomes of children who are looked after and the role of each Member as a corporate parent.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the evaluation following the pilot.

It was RESOLVED:

                         i.        To note the content of this report.

                        ii.        To proceed with the proposal to provide funding to pilot a Virtual School Model to improve the educational outcomes for children who are looked after (CLA) by RCTCBC.

                       iii.        To receive a further report presenting an evaluation of the Virtual School Model pilot to inform future actions.