Admissions

The Manchester Virtual School has a duty to work with other professionals to ensure that the children and young people in our care attend an education provision which is equipped to meet their needs.

The young person’s social worker is responsible, in partnership with the young person and their carer, for identifying a school that can meet the needs of the young person. It is the social worker who should complete and submit the school application forms. Children in the care of Manchester may be resident in different local authority areas of the country, and school applications forms are available from each local authority’s School Admissions service.

For children who are not in the care of Manchester, the normal admissions process for the local authority where the chosen school is located, should be followed.

The Manchester Virtual School team is available to discuss the choice of schools and types of school that can be applied for.

If the school that has been applied for responds to say that they are unable to offer a school place, then the social worker should make contact with Manchester Virtual School as swiftly as possible. The team will then explore the reasons for the refusal and where appropriate, and in line with the National School Admissions Code, will direct the school to admit the young person.

Once the young person starts to attend their new school or education setting, it’s important that parents, carers and social workers, show an active interest in a child’s learning, education, peer relationships and progress to help them settle and experience a sense of belonging. There are a number of ways in which parents, carers and social workers can help to support their education journey and encourage engagement.

  • Communicating with school and keeping them informed of any changes, potential issues but also positive steps.

  • Listening to the child’s voice about their aspirations and hopes for the future and work with the designated teacher to support these.

  • Supporting school policies and procedures.

  • Celebrating achievements, talents, interests and progressions.

  • Taking an interest in school work, friends and supporting with homework,

  • Supporting attendance, punctuality and completion of school work.

All of these points should be discussed at the child or young person’s termly PEP meeting.

Changing schools

If it is thought that a school move is required, for a child in the care of Manchester, then the social worker should always consult with the Manchester Virtual School before progressing plans. All school changes require careful planning and Manchester Virtual School is required to be a part of this planning.

If your child is moving schools, please inform us by contacting [email protected].