Virtual school to teach Glasgow kids who can’t attend class

‘Glasgow’s virtual school’ teaches pupils who are unable to go to class, including vulnerable kids, patients in hospital, children in care and those struggling with mental health problems.

Pupils are taught in different locations that suit their individual circumstances. Lessons even take place at a base in the Royal Hospital for Children and teenage mental health unit Skye House at Stobhill Hospital.

‘Vital services’

Jean Miller, head of inclusion and equalities at Glasgow City Council, said: “It is about making sure the children get qualifications to help them with their future.

“This is increasingly becoming one of our most vital services in the city.

“It is target focused in helping our most vulnerable young people achieve their very best.”

With 25 staff the virtual school works with hundreds of children annually – supporting their education and health and well-being.

As well as school lessons, children can benefit from play, art or equine therapy and other types of support.

How does it help?

Ms Miller said: “Every child is very individual. We don’t have a one size fits all response.”

The ultimate goal is to help them return to school if possible and the children remain enrolled at their original schools throughout the process.

Ms Miller said: “We are trying to build up the relationship that will eventually lead to a transition back to school.

“If a young person is struggling to goo to school it is about building relationships – and meeting them at home.”

The education services used to operate separately but now have been joined under one ‘virtual school’ facility.

It was formed from the care-experienced team, hospital education service and the interrupted learners’ service.

Ms Miller said: “The virtual school has pulled together different services, some new and some in existence for some time. It makes sense to pull them together.”

The children still belong to their own school and staff work with the goal of helping them get back.

The virtual school staff are currently based at 40 John Street and the headteacher is Sonja Kerr.

Councillors on the education, skills and early years city policy committee were presented with an update on the development of the school last week.

A report to the committee said: “Glasgow’s Virtual School (GVS) has been created to provide support to care experienced children and young people, including those at the edge of care, and disrupted learners whose education has been impacted through health reasons or other exceptional reasons.

“It will also support for learning provided by the current Hospital Education Service and Interrupted Learners Service. GVS will also have a strategic role supporting professional digital learning.”