Shropshire Virtual School Resources and links
Time for You
What is Time for You?
Time for You is for school staff who would like a reflective space to have a conversation about a young person attending your school who is in care to Shropshire, previously looked-after or is a child with a social worker.
Time is able to be booked with Dr. Eleanor Tomlinson (CPsychol., D.Ed.Psych., BSc Hons Chartered Educational and Child Psychologist) and the conversation is led by you. It aims to be objective, safe and supportive - the safe space enables you to discuss your authentic feelings, thoughts and concerns around supporting this young person and gives time to considering possible ways of moving forward with them.
"It was good to discuss my concerns and worries with someone who was impartial and who could unpick the way that I was feeling" – Assistant Headteacher
"Coaching sessions provide such a fabulous opportunity to discuss any stresses or worries and provide ways to deal with these going forward" – Head Teacher
"I feel incredibly safe in my coaching sessions. I am comfortable to speak openly and honestly
without the worry of being judged or blamed" – Head Teacher"I was able to not only talk about school stuff, but due to the trust I have in the coach, I was also able to talk about personal issues that were affecting me. She could then coach me through these difficult times and due to being so empathetic she ensured I stayed 'in one piece!'" – Deputy Head Teacher
The coaching model
The coaching model structures the conversation to help move towards identifying actions that would be helpful. It is a safe, confidential, supportive-and challenging relationship in which you can think through aspects of your work with a non judgmental sounding board. Dr Eleanor Tomlinson will listen carefully, ask questions to support your thinking and action planning - and enable you to find a way forward that works for you and which draws upon/is informed by your existing strengths and successes (Adams,2020).
Time commitment
Usually 60 minutes with the option of a follow up review, of approximately 30 minutes. This will take place via Microsoft Teams at an agreed time
How can I access this service?
You can access this service by completing the short request form. When this is completed, please send it to virtualschool@shropshire.gov.uk.
Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
Shropshire Virtual School are working with Amica SL&CC to bring you a service to enhance SLCN support for our looked after children in year groups 2 to 11.
If you would like to have support in this way please complete the referral form and return to virtualschool@shropshire.gov.uk.
This service is available to schools/settings and provides access to assessment in order to help address speech and language barriers. Where there is significant impact on children’s learning and development then there is the potential for delivery of speech and language therapy.
It is advisable to seek a consultation with the Speech and Language Therapy Advice Line as a first point of call. Their advice may mean that your school can put some teaching and learning strategies or interventions in place straight away without the need for assessment at this point in time.
Advice Line
The Speech and Language Advice Line is available to parents and carers of children currently on our caseloads, those referred and those not known to the service. School staff or other professionals can also seek support but can only access the Advice Line regarding a specific child with explicit parental permission. New referrals and re-referrals made by families of children and young people will be directed to the Advice Line. You can contact the Speech and Language Therapy Advice Line on 01743 450800 (option 4).
Shropshire Music Service
Shropshire Virtual School works closely with the Music Service, and our headteacher is a member of the Music Board. We can use Pupil Premium+ to fund lessons for our looked-after children, and if this is something of interest please contact the child’s virtual school link worker or email us at virtualschool@shropshire.gov.uk.
January 2023 update
Shropshire Music Service is launching its new set of ensembles for 2023 from January, with a wide range of ensembles at various locations throughout the county. All ensembles are free-of-charge and are open to all children and young people.
The new ensembles feature a youth choir and an advanced show choir, a training and a youth orchestra, plus a big band, a world folk ensemble and the ever-popular beginner group, Stompers, now delivered at four locations throughout the county.
Find out more about the entire offer, along with instructions on how to sign up.
Letterbox
The Letterbox report for 2023 found that:
- Children enjoy and value Letterbox Club. 96% of children say they like or love Letterbox Club
- Children like the books they are given. 86% of children say they like or love the books in their parcels
- Children report that they read more because of Letterbox Club. 68% of children say they’re reading more on their own after receiving Letterbox Club parcels
Research shows that children who choose to read and who read regularly...
- Are happier and healthier
- They form stronger bonds and relationships
- They do better at school and are more creative
- They enjoy more success in life
We hope the Letterbox club report provides you with the most up-to-date evidence of impact that Letterbox Club parcels have for children who receive them.
WMVS Children in Care Foundation
Shropshire Virtual School are part of the West Midlands Children in Care Foundation – please read more about what is available on the WMVS Children in Care website.
Check out the WMVS Children in Care Foundation YouTube channel and watch @jazampawfarr tell you her story! We all have a story and Jaz will help unlock our young people's potential so their story is a successful one.
Fostering
We work closely with our Fostering colleagues to support the best outcomes for both carers/parents and young people. More information can be found on the Shropshire Fostering website.
Private Fostering
Private Fostering refers to a situation where a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more. It is essential that such arrangements are notified to the local authority so that appropriate support and safeguarding measures can be put in place.
You can find detailed guidance and contact information on the Shropshire Fostering website.
Links to the following guides are below.
- Carers guide
- Private Fostercare Leaflet (Professionals)
- Private Fostercare Leaflet (Parent)
- Children's guide
For more information about Private Fostering visit the Shropshire Fostering website.
Shropshire Family Information Directory
Find out what is available for families in Shropshire – for example on subjects such as childcare, health and well-being support and ‘things to do’.
Links to other training
The Attachment Research Community
The Attachment Research Community is a charitable organisation set up in 2017.
Through the ARC network, conferences, regional events, annual awards, early education resources and development planning tools, ARC supports members to develop and embed their practice.
Learning resources and ideas
Joe Wicks PE lessons
Joe Wicks' PE lessons are available from 9am-10am every day on YouTube.
Maths resources
- Take a look at the 'NRICH' maths resources
- The IXL website offers maths resources for reception to year 13
- My Maths offers interactive maths learning for your whole school
Chatterpack
Chatterpack offers a home learning resources list for schools and families.
BBC Bitesize
BBC Bitesize has learning resources for adults, children and parents. Find videos and audio clips by level, subject and topic.
Late primary and secondary resources
- Ted Talks offer fun, informative & captivating talks to inspire young minds
- Curiosity Stream offers thousands of documentaries
- National Geographic Kids offers amazing facts about animals, science, history and geography, along with fun competitions, games and more
The Oak National Academy
Made by teachers, for every teacher and pupil. Over 100,000 free video lessons and resources.
Virtual School Library
The Virtual School Library is brought to you by Oak National Academy in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.
National Literacy Trust
Every week a popular children's author or illustrator will provide you with free books, exclusive videos and their top three recommended reads. Free reading and writing activities from your favourite children’s authors from the National Literacy Trust.
Energize
Read more about our partnership with Energize and the impact of the support they give our young people.
Support for maths and English at home
Supporting learning with Sumdog and Lexia
At Shropshire Virtual School we use innovative tools to help children in care build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. Two key platforms we've purchased for our children to access are Sumdog and Lexia, which provide personalised, engaging learning experiences that support progress and confidence.
Sumdog
Sumdog makes learning fun through interactive games that adapt to each child’s ability. It focuses on core skills in maths and literacy, offering tailored practice and instant feedback to keep learners motivated.
Lexia
Lexia is a research-based reading programme designed to improve phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. It provides structured, personalised pathways that help learners develop fluency and understanding at their own pace.
If you'd like to support your child with accessing either of these platforms, please contact your Virtual School link or email us: virtualschool@shropshire.gov.uk