Reflections from the NAVSH Conference 2025: Key Takeaways for Virtual Schools
Last week, we had the privilege of attending the NAVSH Conference in Liverpool, an event that once again proved to be a vital space for Virtual School Heads and professionals dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable children in the UK.
From thought-provoking discussions to valuable conversations with both existing and potential new virtual school colleagues, the conference reinforced the essential role Virtual Schools play in ensuring looked-after children and other vulnerable groups receive the support they need to thrive.
Key Themes from the Conference
Across the two days, several recurring themes stood out, reflecting both the ongoing challenges and exciting opportunities ahead for Virtual Schools:
- The Evolving Role of Virtual Schools
The responsibilities of Virtual Schools continue to expand, and discussions around their future role were a major talking point. It’s clear that Virtual School Heads are seen as key players in ensuring positive educational outcomes for vulnerable cohorts, not just looked-after children but increasingly Children in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) cohorts as well.
- Technology’s Role in Supporting Learning
Innovation in edtech is providing new opportunities to enhance learning for vulnerable children. Whether through AI-driven tools, remote learning support, or adaptive learning technologies, it’s evident that Virtual Schools are exploring how technology can bridge gaps and improve access to high-quality education.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making and Tracking
The importance of accurate, timely data was another key discussion point. Virtual Schools are increasingly focused on using analytics and reporting tools to track progress, monitor attendance, and measure the impact of interventions. Welfare Call has long championed data-driven insights, and it was great to hear how Virtual Schools are looking for ways to harness data more effectively.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
It was encouraging to see mental health continue to be a central focus. Supporting vulnerable children isn’t just about academic outcomes; it’s about their overall wellbeing. Conversations centred around early intervention, trauma-informed approaches, and cross-agency collaboration to ensure children get the support they need, both in and out of school.
- The Ongoing Need for Multi-Agency Collaboration
Every year, there is a call for a more joined-up approach between education, social care, and health services, and this year was no exception. It’s clear that progress is being made, but Virtual Schools still face challenges when it comes to sharing information effectively and working in true partnership with other agencies.
The Big Announcement: Extended Duties mandated by September 2026
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the conference was any updates regarding the extension of Virtual Schools’ responsibilities to Children in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) cohorts. The wait was well worth it: Andrew Baxter (DfE) confirmed that extended duties will be mandated by September 2026, prompting rapturous cheers from the main conference hall.
For Virtual Schools, this provides much-needed clarity. They now have a concrete timeline to plan, strategise, and ensure they have the right systems in place to support a broader cohort of vulnerable children. No longer stuck in limbo, Virtual School Heads can take proactive steps to prepare for these extended responsibilities.
For Welfare Call, this announcement also presents an opportunity to further support Virtual Schools in managing their growing remit. With more children falling under their care, the need for effective attendance monitoring, real-time data analytics, and impact tracking has never been greater. Our solutions are already helping many Virtual Schools streamline their processes and gain deeper insights, and we’re keen to explore how we can expand this support as their roles evolve.
We have a winner!
Thank you to everyone who visited our stand at the conference and chatted with us at NAVSH. The winner of our prize draw is Hilary Hicks, Virtual School Deputy Head at Wakefield Virtual School who won a Lindt LINDOR collection hamper.
Final Thoughts
The NAVSH Conference continues to be an invaluable space for learning, collaboration, and future planning. It’s clear that Virtual Schools are more essential than ever, and with the DfE’s announcement, they now have the direction they need to move forward with confidence.
A huge thank you to everyone we connected with during the event. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and how we can continue working together to support vulnerable children through data-driven solutions.
If you attended the conference, we’d love to hear your key takeaways. What stood out to you the most?