How Barnsley Virtual School Uses Welfare Call to Drive Data-Led Support for Vulnerable Learners
A case study with Tom, Virtual Headteacher for Looked After Children and Vulnerable Groups At Barnsley Virtual School, ensuring every child receives the support they need at the right time is at the heart of everything they do.… Read more
Raising the Standard: How Cyber Essentials Plus Protects Local Authority and Virtual School Data
We’re pleased to confirm that Welfare Call has once again achieved the Cyber Essentials Plus certification – the highest level of assurance within the government-backed Cyber Essentials framework. This isn’t just another annual tick-box exercise. It’s a clear sign… Read more
Why Prioritising Value Over Cost Matters in Virtual School Procurement
Balancing limited budgets with growing responsibilities has always been a challenge for Virtual School Heads. The extension of your role, increasing complexity of data needs, and rising expectations for outcomes mean decisions about where and how to invest resources are… Read more
What the 2025–26 Grant Letter Tells Us About the Future of the Virtual School Head Role
The Department for Education has now published its 2025–2026 grant determination letter for the extended Virtual School Head (VSH) role. This update confirms continued investment in both the Children With a Social Worker (CWSW) and Kinship Care strands, with… Read more
Virtual Schools Forum Highlights: Two Powerful Days of Insight, Connection and Shared Purpose
Over the past fortnight, Welfare Call was proud to host two Virtual Schools Forums – first in York, then in London – bringing together professionals from across the country for two energising days of learning, collaboration, and reflection. With over… Read more
A Simpler Way to Procure Trusted Solutions for Virtual Schools: Everything You Need to Know
Finding and procuring education software shouldn’t be an exhausting process. We understand that local authorities and Virtual School Heads need to make confident, informed decisions, especially when it comes to systems supporting vulnerable children. That’s why many of our customers… Read more
Building the Golden Record: How Welfare Call’s API Is Powering Data Interoperability for Virtual Schools
The power of data lies not just in what you collect, but in how seamlessly and accurately you can use it. That’s why we’re investing in the development of a new Application Programming Interface (API) designed to enable true data… Read more
Five Years Strong: How Our Partnership with Wonde Is Powering Better Attendance Monitoring for Virtual Schools
At Welfare Call, our mission has always been clear: support Virtual Schools and Local Authorities to safeguard vulnerable children and improve outcomes. A core part of that mission is ensuring the data we collect is accurate, secure, and timely because… Read more
Making Every Pound Count: How Welfare Call’s ePEP Optimises Pupil Premium Plus Funding
Virtual School Heads play a vital role in ensuring that looked-after children (CLA) achieve the best possible educational outcomes. A key tool in this effort is Pupil Premium Plus (PP+), funding designed to provide additional support and close the attainment… Read more
Protecting the Sector: Why Free Use of the Term “ePEP” Matters for Virtual Schools
At Welfare Call, our mission has always been to support Virtual Schools and Local Authorities in delivering the best outcomes for looked-after children. That’s why, when the term “ePEP” – a widely recognised and vital part of our shared language… Read more
Join Us at the Welfare Call 2025 Annual Forum: Shaping the Future Together
At Welfare Call, we believe that the best solutions are built with our customers, not just for them. That’s why we are delighted to invite our valued colleagues and partners to the Welfare Call 2025 Annual Forum — an invitation-only… Read more