Who are the key professionals in the team around the child?
Lewisham Virtual School works in partnership with a number of key professionals who play an important role within the team around the child to support the education of children looked after .
Social Worker
The allocated social worker is the lead professional around the child. Their responsibilities include developing and reviewing the PEP, liaising with foster carers about the placement, promoting stability at home and school.
Independent Reviewing Officer
The IRO provides a general oversight on the decisions made concerning the child, and ensures that they are in the best interest of the child.
Parent/Carer
The Foster Carers play the role in promoting a stable home environment, and supporting the child looked after’s education by encouraging them to participate and succeed.
Designated Teacher
The designated teacher is a skilled and experienced professional who understands the specific educational needs of a child looked after within the school environment.
Director of Children’s Services
The Director for Children’s Services has the main responsibility of maintaining and promoting a high quality service, and corporate parenting for children looked after .
Partnerships include:
- LAC Nurse
- Lewisham SEN Department
- Mentoring Services
- Alternative Provisions
- Youth Offenders Services
- Council Members
- Extra Tuition Services
- Other Virtual Schools
Useful links:
| LAC NURSE Designated Nurse for children looked after . |
| LEWISHAM SEN DEPARTMENT Lewisham’s SEN department, based at Kaleidoscope, Rushey Green, Catford SE6. |
| LEWISHAM YOUNG OFFENDING SERVICE A brief guide to the Youth Justice System (YJS) and the Youth Offending Service (YOS). |
| LEWISHAM ALTERNATIVE PROVISIONS DIRECTORY Directory of Alternative Provisions in the London Borough of Lewisham. |