Hounslow Virtual School - Youth Skills and Employment Guarantee

What is a Virtual School?

A Virtual School is not a physical building, but a dedicated team of education professionals who champion the educational progress and wellbeing of children and young people we care for. Acting on behalf of our local authority, the Virtual School works in partnership with schools, carers, social workers and other stakeholders to ensure that every child and young person can achieve their full potential.

We have the same ambition for our children and young people as any parent would: high-quality education, strong attendance, positive experiences in school, and excellent outcomes that open doors to future opportunities.

What we do

Children and young people with care experience can face unique and complex challenges that impact their education. Our Virtual School provides targeted support to address these barriers and promote stability, confidence and success. We do this by:

• Monitoring progress and attainment to ensure every child and young person is on track and receives the right support at the right time
• Promoting high aspirations and encouraging a culture of achievement and ambition
• Supporting transitions, including starting school, changing schools, and moving into further education or employment
• Advocating for each child, ensuring their voice is heard in decisions that affect their education
• Ensuring access to resources, interventions and enrichment opportunities that support both academic and personal development

We work closely with designated teachers in schools and carers to ensure that each child’s needs are understood and met through their Personal Education Plan (PEP). 

Supporting schools and colleges

Schools and colleges play a vital role in improving outcomes for children and young people in care. Our Virtual School works alongside education settings to provide guidance, challenge and practical support. This includes: 

• Professional advice and training for designated teachers, senior leaders and staff
• Quality assurance of Personal Education Plans (PEPs) to ensure they are meaningful, impactful and child-centred
• Use of Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding to deliver targeted interventions that raise achievement
• Attendance and inclusion support, helping schools reduce exclusions and improve engagement
• Data analysis and insights to help identify gaps and drive improvement

We are a critical friend—offering both support and challenge—to ensure that provision for the children and young people we support remains a priority.

Contact

You can reach out to us using the contact details below, and we’ll direct you to the most suitable colleague in the Virtual School to assist.

Daniel Clawson - Head of Hounslow Virtual School
daniel.clawson@hounslow.gov.uk

Julie Lovell – Professional Lead: Early Years and Statutory Education
julie.lovell@hounslow.gov.uk

Natasha Woolman – Professional Lead: Post-16 and Care Leavers
natahsa.woolman@hounslow.gov.uk