Virtual Schools

Fewer than one in three Children Looked After reach the expected standard in reading and writing at the end of Key Stage 2 (aged 11). Arvon’s partnership with Virtual Schools, who support Children Looked After, provides learning and enrichment opportunities through our residential weeks and workshops that boost confidence, engage young people in learning, and help develop key life skills.

Since 2013, projects have reached over 100 children and young people aged 11-18 who have taken part in residential weeks, and engaged a further 300 children and foster carers in creative writing workshops and events.

Feedback from foster carers consistently underlines how beneficial the weeks are in enhancing young people’s confidence, self-esteem and social skills, and improving participants’ writing skills with marked improvements observed in creative writing, use of English and grammar and reading skills.

“Students felt empowered to record their thoughts in written form… there were notable social and therapeutic benefits.” –Margaret Curtin, Brent Council

“I watched in awe as these fierce young writers gave voice to their stories, and used their words to reclaim the spaces they have been pushed out of – especially the spaces within themselves. Many of them wept, got angry in the right way, supported each other, and practiced self-compassion. They pledged to keep writing.” –Femi Martin, Writer/Performer and Arvon Tutor

To find out about bringing a group to Arvon email joe.bibby@arvon.org