The Corporate Parenting Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Virtual School's annual report, an update from the Children's Participation Team and Children in Care Council, and a performance report.

Virtual School Annual Report 2024-2025

A significant focus of the meeting is expected to be the Virtual School Annual Report 2024-2025 Public reports pack 04th-Feb-2026 17.15 Corporate Parenting Board.pdf. This report, presented by Shelley Davies, Director of Education, will provide an overview of the Virtual School's work in improving educational outcomes for children looked after and care leavers. It covers the academic year 2024/25 and includes analysis of attainment, impact assessments, and future priorities for children aged 2 to 19, and up to 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The report highlights an increase in identified Special Educational Needs (SEN) among the cohort, with the Virtual School strengthening its expertise through targeted training. Key achievements mentioned include a reduction in days lost to suspensions, robust advocacy against exclusions, and a more timely application of the Attendance Strategy. The report indicates positive Key Stage 1 and 2 outcomes, with a marked increase in the proportion of young people attaining GCSE grades 9-4 in English and maths.

The report also details the work of the Virtual School in supporting Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and other displaced children and young people through an interim provision called Croydon Town School (CTS). This provision offers intensive English language support, alongside core subjects and counselling, aiming to prepare pupils for mainstream education.

Furthermore, the report addresses the educational support for children with a social worker, focusing on improving access, engagement, and outcomes for Children in Need (CiN) and those subject to Child Protection (CP) Plans. Strategies for improving attendance, addressing persistent absence, and reducing suspensions and permanent exclusions are also outlined. The report notes that while attendance for looked-after children remains below the Department for Education target of 95%, it is considered comparatively strong within this context.

The report also reviews the completion rates and quality assurance of Personal Education Plans (PEPs), which are statutory documents outlining how a child or young person's educational progress will be monitored and supported. The Virtual School manages the Pupil Premium Grant+ (PPG+) for looked-after children, with its allocation linked to the achievement of SMART targets set out in PEPs.

The report concludes by outlining priorities for 2025/2026, including stabilising the team, increasing attendance, enhancing child voice, and promoting cross-service collaboration.

Update from Children's Participation Team & Children in Care Council

The Board is also scheduled to receive a verbal update from the Children's Participation Team and the Children in Care Council. This update is expected to provide insights into the views and experiences of children and young people who are looked after by the council.

Performance Report

A performance report is also listed on the agenda. While the specific details of this report are not available in the provided documents, it is likely to cover key performance indicators related to the services provided to children looked after and care-experienced young people.