Each school is required to have a nominated Designated Teacher (DT). This is a statutory requirement whether or not a school has a Looked After Child currently on their roll. This is to ensure that whenever one of the pupils becomes looked after or a new child in care is admitted to the school there is a teacher who is already trained to carry out this important role.
Details of the role of the Designated Teacher are set out in Promoting the Education of Looked After Children (February 2018) and the Role and Responsibilities of the Designated Teacher for looked after children (2018).
The member of staff who is appointed as the DT must be:
• A qualified teacher
• A Headteacher or,
• Acting Headteacher.
Within the Staffordshire Virtual School, we refer to the “Looked After” and “Previously Looked After” children we work with, as “our children.” This enables us to act as a “parent” would, striving to achieve the best outcomes possible.
What is expected of DTs?
DTs have a key role in promoting the education of our children and young people in and previously in care. They need to strive to:
- put the needs of our children at the centre of their educational planning, ensuring their voice is heard.
- actively engage our children in setting their own learning targets wherever possible.
- help put in place and advise staff about suitable and effective teaching strategies.
- develop a positive relationship with carers, communicating the importance of supported learning.
- share school policies with all relevant parties.
- facilitate positive communication, through Relational and Restorative Practice between the school and other professionals such as social workers and the Virtual School, ensuring that all partners contribute to the overall educational outcome.
- assist with school transitions when our children move from one school to another or into post 16 education.
Our Training offer
Our Staffordshire Virtual School is keen to work closely with DTs to support them in their role in school. We do this by:
- Our Virtual School advisors attending at least one PEP meeting a year
- Our Virtual School advisors and co-ordinators being available to offer support and advice when needed.
- inviting DTs to be part of the district Virtual School network to support collaborative learning across the county.
Child Voice
Please help us gather the views of our children by supporting them to complete the Big Vote by Monday 2 June 2025.
Attachment and Trauma network events - 2025
These network events are for Staffordshire County Council educational settings, aimed specifically at staff taking the lead on 'becoming attachment and trauma informed' practice. This can include staff/settings that have already embarked on the virtual school attachment and trauma pathway, or those with a readiness to start this.
- Opportunity to meet with other school staff to share practice or find solutions together
- Protected time to reflect on progress / practice
- Gain support from educational psychologists
Network dates for 2025:
Location: Staffordshire Place 1, Stafford, ST16 2DH
18 March from 10am to 3pm
16 May from 9:30am to 1:30pm
8 July from 10am to 3pm
Book your place
Please use our Microsoft form to book your place on our course.
Book your place
Downloadable poster
A downloadable version of this poster is available below.
AT Network Events - printable poster (1.7 MB)