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Wokingham Virtual School

This page provides some basic information about the Wokingham Virtual School and resources for young people and carers. Visit our separate dedicated website at this link for more information.

Contacting the Virtual School

For more information please contact Sian Biddlecombe, Headteacher of the Virtual School on Sian.Biddlecombe@wokingham.gov.uk or our Admin officer, Alix Williams on Alix.Williams@wokingham.gov.uk or VirtualSchool.Admin@wokingham.gov.uk.

The Virtual School Website

The Virtual School have now launched a separate dedicated website, which gives details of available resources and training. You will be able to see details of our upcoming termly Conferences and any up to date advice. You can find the website here: https://www.wokinghamvirtualschool.co.uk

Message from Sian Biddlecombe - Virtual Headteacher

Welcome back to the new term! Given the current situation with Covid-19, Wokingham Virtual School is strongly advising that all PEPs are continued to be held virtually for the whole term unless there are exceptional circumstances. We would like to minimise the transmission risk by not sending officers and visitors into school.

Fortunately, Wokingham uses the ePEP system run by eGOV, which allows the participants to enter all of their information remotely. To help communication, I have asked eGOV to put all carers on the system so they can contribute to the PEP by supporting the young person with their views as well as using the messaging system to communicate with social workers and designated teachers. As with all professionals they will only see those children in their care. If carers do not have access to ePEP, please contact Alix Williams on the address above to get set up.

As term progresses, the full educational and emotional impact of lockdown on our children will become more apparent. Wokingham Virtual School remains dedicated to supporting the education of all Wokingham Children in Care and Previously Looked After Children. We ask please that PEPs are held before October half term and Pupil Premium requests are entered as per the normal process. We are also continuing the offer of 1:1 online tuition from Equal Education to bridge the gaps in the core subjects. If you have any urgent requests, please do get in touch.

Sian Biddlecombe - Virtual Headteacher

Laptop/tablet computer

Wokingham Children in Care are entitled to a laptop computer or tablet to use for homework, leisure, etc. The devices are provided with support, warranty and insurance for three years. Care Leavers that are actively engaging with some form of continuing education also have the same entitlement.

The latest version of the document/leaflet with more details and the order form are available below.

Mobile computing options for WBC CiC + CL - leaflet v17 - Nov 2020.pdf [pdf / 752KB]

Mobile device order form v13.docx [docx / 54KB]

Support for Children in Care/Care Leaver tablets and laptops is provided via Stone Computers.

Phone: 0844 880 1680 or e-mail: support@stonecomputers.com

Support is available 9am-8pm Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm Sat-Sun, via telephone or email (excluding Bank Holidays). Calls will be charged at national call rates or less (note change in support hours from those shown on some earlier versions of the documentation)

Music Tuition

Wokingham Children in Care are entitled to free specialist instrumental or vocal music tuition if they request it. Care Leavers that are actively engaging with some form of continuing education also have the same entitlement. Subject to the availability of suitable teachers, the tuition can be on most common instruments such as flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, cello, guitar or keyboard/piano. It can also be vocal (singing) lessons.

A document with more details and the application form are available below.