About the project

Virtual schools are educational settings which support looked after and previously looked after young people. They seek to boost educational outcomes for these young people who can often be at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).

Our pilot project with Havering Virtual School in London during summer 2024 was a great success, with the aim to bridge the skills gap and build confidence for young people who have been out of mainstream education for a while.

Young people, supported by Havering Virtual School and VIY’s Trade Mentors, designed and built a covered seating area with a table for the staff at MyPlace Youth & Community Centre, to use as a social space whilst taking breaks from work for positive wellbeing.

This pilot one week workshop was also used as an engagement tool to build rapport with young people and boost their skills by setting up a communal space which will be a constant positive reminder of their experience.

Impact of this project:

• 4 young volunteers gaining hands-on construction skills – experience they wouldn’t otherwise gain elsewhere
• All 4 volunteers achieved an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditation in Carpentry during this week long project
• Sharna Swain, Key stage 4 & 5 Officer for Havering Virtual School told us: “The boys truly loved it, the mentors were brilliant and it’s really helped to encourage thinking around their aspirations!”
• Our Lead VIY Trade Mentor on this project, Dale said: “It’s a great opportunity for these young people to learn in a way that suits them, away from a formal educational environment where they’ve previously faced disruption or that they may have been away from for long periods of time due to care.”
• A ceremony is being held to celebrate the work of these young people with their parents, carers and Head of Children’s Services from Havering Council