A MENTORING scheme to keep children in care at school has been hailed a massive success.

But the Virtual School for Children in Care for Lancashire faces an uncertain future from August if new funding is not found to cover the cost of its learning mentors.

Headteacher Peter Doyle said the school was initially set up with £90,000 awarded by Lancashire School’s Forum.

Mr Doyle said this had employed three mentors who had helped 56 children from key stage one to five since December 2010.

He said: “One child last year had attended 10 secondary schools but since they have been mentored they have not been excluded because of the support of the staff at the school.

“Mentors give one-to-one tuition which is very good for looked-after children. It is an opportunity for a child to sit down on one-to-one basis which has built up esteem.”

He said that to date the Virtual School had ensured:

  • All 59 year six children had secondary school places in September;
  • The children have attended transitional meetings before they move to secondary school;
  • One-to-one tuition was carried out with the children;
  • Ten children were supported through school moves and helped another seven who were excluded;
  • It has also helped eight children who refused to engage in education back to school and another nine are receiving one-to-one tuition.

Contracts for the mentors are due to end in August and Mr Doyle appealed to the school’s forum for funds.

Chair of the forum John Davies said they would look for funds in the budget, but no guarantees were given.

Mr Doyle said: “Stability for the children is critical, moving from school can be fraught with difficulties.

“We know the majority of children in homes have been in a number of placements before the children’s home.

The majority have been supported by the mentors at the home and the children are supported as much as possible.”

Mr Davies said: “One recognises there has been an impact on young people.”