Education
Schools and childcare can be a challenge, but our education specialists know the system inside out. We can help you understand your options, answer your questions and put you in touch with the right people. Our service is free and you can share any questions or concerns, however big or small they may seem.
Education specialist Maria talks about the different ways the team can help guardians and children.
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Find a school or childcare
How to get your child into a school or childcare setting that’s right for them.
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Pupil Premium Plus
Learn about extra funding to help your child reach their potential at school.
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Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
What to do if your child needs extra support at home or school.
How we can help
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Answer your questions
Our specialist will use their experience to hear your concerns and help you take action. We support hundreds of guardians every year with questions about education.
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Advice on speaking to school
We offer practical advice to help you talk to school about the child you care for. We know who to contact and how to get you heard.
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Explain your options
We help you understand your choices and offer advice on what to consider when deciding on your next steps.
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Support in tough situations
We can help you when things are not going as you had hoped or expected. That includes support if the child you care for goes through bullying, isolation, suspension or expulsion.
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Regular support through our Virtual School
We run a service to help support children who have left care. Our virtual school offers extra, regular specialist support to you, the child you care for and your wider family.
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Practical tips for home
We share practical tips and advice on things you can do at home to help the child you care for with their education, whatever their age or specific needs.
Three things to know
1. Every school has a designated teacher that can help you
This teacher will have specific training on trauma and attachment. They can be your first point of contact when you have questions about the child you care for and their education. Search for them on the school’s website, contact the school secretary or ask us to help you find out who they are.
2. Our ‘virtual school’ gives you and the child you care for extra support
The virtual school is an extra, regular local service for children and young people who have left care. It is free to use and you can attend in person, by phone or online. Contact our support team for more information on how it may benefit the child you care for.
Maria explains what is the Virtual School and how can it help
3. A child has extra rights if they have been in care
Children who live with their special guardian who have previously been taken into care by the council can get extra support with their education. That includes priority access to places at primary and secondary schools. Contact us to see if the child you care for is eligible.
“It feels like school has changed a lot since I went. I didn’t know where to begin when my granddaughter started struggling. Someone put me in touch with Maria and the Virtual School at Bucks and I’m so glad I contacted the team. With their help, it all start to make sense and I gained the confidence to do what I needed to do.”