Unaccompanied Children and Young People

Oxfordshire Virtual School provides dedicated support for children and young people who arrive in the UK as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. We recognise that these young people bring a wide range of experiences, strengths and aspirations, alongside often complex vulnerabilities.

We work closely with social workers, schools, carers, and partner agencies to ensure that every child is supported to access education quickly, feel safe and settled, and begin to build a positive and ambitious future. Our approach is underpinned by relational and trauma-informed practice, ensuring that support is responsive to each young person’s individual needs, including language acquisition, emotional wellbeing, cultural adjustment and preparation for education, employment and training.

We have specialist knowledge and expertise within our team to support this cohort, enabling us to provide tailored advice, challenge and support to education providers and professionals. This ensures that children and young people can engage in learning, develop independence, and feel a strong sense of belonging within their communities.

“Care leavers who arrive in the UK as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are well supported by social workers who get to know them well. They live in suitable homes and are helped to learn English and to develop their independence skills. The effective partnership work between the virtual school and education providers ensures that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and care leavers are supported to develop their talents and realise their career aspirations.”
- Ofsted, Inspection of Oxfordshire local authority children’s services, February 2024

Orientation and Induction Programme

Oxfordshire Virtual School commissions a specialist Orientation and Induction Programme to support newly arrived unaccompanied children and young people as they first enter the UK and begin their journey into education. The programme is delivered as a four-week rolling induction, designed to provide a safe, structured and welcoming introduction to life in Oxfordshire and the UK. 

The programme combines intensive English language learning with key information about life in the UK, including education systems, health, laws, rights, relationships and cultural norms. It is delivered in a trauma-informed environment, helping young people to feel safe, build trust and develop confidence as they prepare to move into school or further education.

Young people are referred to and access the programme through their social worker and the Virtual School, ensuring a coordinated and timely start to their formal education.

The programme's impact is significant, with all young people moving on to school or college. Young people consistently report increased confidence, improved communication skills and a stronger sense of belonging, alongside readiness to engage with education. 

Young people describe their experience in powerful ways:

• “I spoke no English before. Now I can ask for water.”  
• “I felt safe here. It was like home.”  
• “I was nervous at first, but now I want to go to school.”  
• “This programme gave me a new life.”  

Through this programme, young people begin to:

• develop English language skills
• understand life in the UK, including rights, laws and expectations
• build friendships and connections
• feel safe, confident and ready to learn
• take their next steps into education, training or employment

This work is part of our wider commitment to ensuring that all children and young people, regardless of how or when they arrive, are supported to feel valued, included and able to thrive. 

We are continually inspired by what young people go on to achieve. For some, this includes progressing through education and graduating from university - outcomes that may once have felt out of reach, but become possible with the right support, relationships and opportunities.

For more information about our training and support offer, including how to access services, please visit our Virtual School website or contact us.