Promoting the education of children with a social worker and children in kinship care arrangements
This role focuses on improving education outcomes for children who have a social worker.
The Virtual School Headteacher will:
- act as a local champion for these children
- help schools and services work together more effectively
- raise awareness of the importance of education
- support earlier and more targeted help
This role builds on duties for looked-after and previously looked-after children.
It does not involve direct work with individual families.
- Read the latest from the Children’s Commissioner about the purpose of Child in Need plans, and her recommendations for reform in this area.
- Championing kinship care: national kinship care strategy - GOV.UK
Who we support
The Relational and Restorative Practice (RRP) team focuses on children who:
- have a social worker
- are on a Child in Need or Child Protection plan
- are in kinship care
- have a Special Guardianship Order
- have an Adoption Order
- were in care within the last 6 years
Solution focused circles
These meetings help when a situation feels “stuck” but does not need exclusion.
A trained professional will lead the meeting.
It usually includes school staff, parents, and where possible, the child.
The meeting has 4 stages:
- Explain the concern
- Ask questions to understand the situation
- Share ideas and possible solutions
- Agree clear actions
Follow-up meetings check progress and next steps.
Restorative conference
A restorative conference is used when there has been conflict.
It brings people together to:
- talk about what happened
- share how they feel
- agree how to move forward
Everyone sits in a circle, so all voices can be heard. Participation is voluntary and based on agreement from all involved.
Training for Schools
We offer training to support your staff:
- 6-day programme for Senior Leadership Teams (by invitation)
- 2-day introduction for education staff
- Student Ambassador training (for schools already using RRP)
Training topics include:
- attachment and trauma
- emotion coaching
- relational practice
Student Ambassador Programme
This programme helps children support each other and resolve conflict.
Children learn skills such as:
- listening
- problem-solving
- negotiation
- staying calm
The programme runs over 5 sessions and is supported by a trained staff member.
It helps create a positive and inclusive school environment.
Why this approach matters
Strong relationships help children feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Relational and restorative approaches:
- reduce conflict and exclusions
- improve behaviour and engagement
- support emotional wellbeing
Relational Inclusion Network meetings
Staff from schools, the Local Authority, and Children's Services work together in special meetings called Solution Focused Circles. During these meetings, they talk about children's situations without sharing names, so their privacy is protected. Together, they look for ways to help children make good progress in their education and create a plan of support.
The Virtual School team also shares updates about children in care. They are supported by Adam Blundell, who leads the Virtual School's Raising Attainment for Disadvantaged Youngsters programme, helping young people to achieve their best at school.
Training events can be booked using the Microsoft Forms Link on the training calendar.
To request the assistance of the RRP Team fill out the form and email it to restorativevs@staffordshire.gov.uk.
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Who are we?
- Lisa Wood: Relational and Restorative Practice Coordinator
- Helen Mulligan: East Staffs and Tamworth
- Lucy Attwood: Cannock and Lichfield
- Kylie Rea: Newcastle and Moorlands
To contact your advisor email: restorativeVS@staffordshire.gov.uk.