A significant part of our work with Children and Young People is delivered in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent Virtual School and Staffordshire Virtual School.
Virtual Schools support children and young people who are in care, or who have previously been in care, to achieve the very best possible outcomes in their education. They also provide information, guidance, and support to parents, carers, and schools across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Through this partnership, we work together to create positive, engaging opportunities that encourage movement, confidence, and wellbeing. We regularly host activity days and events where children and young people in care can try new experiences in supportive, welcoming environments.
Creating Opportunities Through Activity
Our joint programmes are designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help young people discover activities they enjoy.
Recent initiatives have included:
- A Winter Olympics-themed programme, offering opportunities to try ice skating and tubing
- Multi-activity days featuring canoeing, rock climbing, BMX, archery, abseiling, pond dipping, and orienteering
- Outdoor adventure and nature-based activities
- Confidence-building and social opportunities
These events are carefully designed to be fun, inclusive, and accessible, allowing young people to explore new interests at their own pace.
Building Confidence and Connection
We hope these opportunities give young people and their families the chance to:
- Meet others with shared experiences
- Try something new in a safe environment
- Build confidence and self-belief
- Develop positive relationships with physical activity
By working in partnership with Virtual Schools, we aim to ensure that children and young people in care feel supported, valued, and empowered, both in education and in leading active, healthy lives.