Welcome from our Virtual School Head!
My name is Jane Johnson and I am the Virtual School Head in Manchester. I would like to welcome you to our website which will provide you with information, advice, guidance and support.
My team and I support Manchester City Council to effectively fulfil its corporate parenting responsibilities by working as the lead education advocate for the children and young people in its care. We monitor their attendance, attainment and achievement to ensure that their educational success is a top priority in care.
We also act as a source of advice and information for parents of previously looked-after children attending educational provisions within Manchester as well as the settings themselves.
Our team
All members of the Manchester Virtual School team have a broad knowledge of the care system and a wealth of experience of working with other services to support children and young people including those with special educational needs.
Our diverse team consists of qualified teachers who have a range of experience teaching in different settings and across key stages. We also have team members who support children and young people not currently in education, employment or training towards positive destinations.
Our shared ambition is to support all children and young people to be safe, happy, healthy and successful. We put the voice of the young person at the heart of what we do and work collaboratively with other professionals to put positive plans in place.
What we provide
We deliver a wide range of training across all corporate parenting roles including education settings, governors, children’s social work services, carers and leaving care personal advisors.
Our training for designated teachers focuses on the personal education plan process and the effective use of pupil premium.
The Virtual School Team also works with the Manchester Youth Justice Team to ensure that all the young people they work with are fully supported in their education, employment and training.
Find out more
Read more about what we do as a team in our own words by downloading our seven minute briefing.
All local authorities in England are required to have a Virtual School Head to ensure that looked-after and previously looked-after children have the maximum opportunity to reach their full educational potential. Find out more about the role in the statutory guidance for local authorities here.
Contact us
You can contact Manchester Virtual School by emailing virtualschool.education@manchester.gov.uk
Download our full contact list.
