Many children and young people across the region will have started new schools earlier this month as the summer holidays came to an end.

Some youngsters will have started primary school, secondary school or college for the first time with others progressing naturally into their new classes.

For some of Bolton’s children in care, the new school year may mean a new school in a new area.

Prospective carers with Bolton Council often ask how things work in terms of schools, drop off and pick up routines and the role of the foster carer.

As the new term gets under way, some members of the wider Bolton fostering team have given their advice about how to help children when they move in with foster carers.

Lindsay, who is virtual school head in Bolton, said: “When children first come into the local authority’s care, wherever possible and appropriate, they remain at their current school.

“The virtual school is a team of education specialists who can offer advice, guidance and additional support for all our looked after children from Early Years all the way to Post-16.

“Every child in care has a personal education plan (PEP) each term, which is overseen by the virtual school team.

“The PEP document should be a robust, living and working document, which ensures that the story of the child’s educational progress is current and continues to meet the child’s educational needs.

“Foster carers should work with the social worker and designated teacher as the child’s advocate to ensure they share the child’s views, wishes and feelings.

“Higher aspirations lead to higher outcomes.

“Bolton’s virtual school team builds stronger partnerships with our schools and carers to help influence the lives of all our looked after children; by boosting confidence, rebuilding self-esteem to help them achieve their future goals.

“We work hard to help our children achieve, despite the adversity they might be facing.”

Foster carer Julie said: “Often, children find that starting at a new school is a daunting prospect but it can also be the chance for a fresh start.

“As foster carers we need to work together with schools and social workers, making sure that everyone knows about each child’s background and needs.

“We have to make sure that the children in our care are prepared and feel encouraged every step of the way, and that they get the support they require and the opportunities to thrive.”

For more information about becoming a foster carer visit www.bolton.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@bolton.gov.uk or call 0800 107 1564.

Virtual schools provide help and advice for looked after children

Bolton’s virtual school is committed to raising the educational attainment of all looked after children.

The aim is to reduce any existing progress gaps between these children and their peers.

Lindsay said: “Promoting and enforcing a culture of high aspirations is our top priority.

“We ensure that children in care have access to high quality, full-time education and we are committed to working in partnership with other professionals in order to provide the highest levels of support and ambition for them.

“We champion educational stability and ensure that our children and young people’s health, emotional, mental and social well-being is held in mind and that their voice is heard in decisions made around education and future goals.

“We do this by creating an up to date personalised education plan (PEP) for each child.”

For more information, email virtual.school@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 334078.