Information for designated teachers

The Virtual School hold termly network meetings for designated teachers for cared for children and previously cared for children. This ensures that all schools have a senior member of staff who is kept updated around national and local priorities and good practice for cared for and previously cared for children.

This academic year however, we have partnered with The Care Leaders to deliver a free six-part development programme, the Designated Leaders Programme. The training is designed to move designated teachers beyond a statutory role and equip them to become whole-school leaders who can influence practice, improve understanding of care-experienced children, and drive culture and behaviour change across their schools.

Dates are as follows:

• Online: Thursday 5 November 2026, 3.30pm to 5pm

• Face to face: Tuesday 15 December, 10am to 3.30pm, Worsley Court House

• Online: Thursday 28 January 2027, 3.30pm to 5pm

• Face to face: Wednesday 10 March 2027, 10am to 3.30pm, Worsley Court House

• Online: Thursday 13 May 2027, 3.30pm to 5pm

• Face to face: Wednesday 30 June 2027, 10am to 3.30pm, Worsley Court House

In place of the usual Designated Teacher Network events, we will instead hold termly online briefings to ensure schools receive timely information on key developments, policy changes, available training, upcoming events, and areas of focus for the Virtual School.

Date are as follows:

• 29 September 2026, 2pm to 3pm

• 14 January 2027, 2pm to 3pm

• 10 May 2027, 2pm to 3pm

Further information on our training offer can be found in the training and development section.

This page was last updated on 4 November 2026