Courses

Designated teachers for cared for children network

• Our termly Designated Teacher Network meetings provide an excellent opportunity to receive key updates, share effective practice, and connect with colleagues from schools across Rochdale.
• The sessions offer practical guidance, professional development, and the latest information to support you in your role as a Designated Teacher for Cared for Children and Previously Looked After Children.
• In addition to networking and collaboration opportunities, meetings often feature specialist speakers who share expertise on key areas affecting children and young people's education, wellbeing, attendance, and outcomes.
• Whether you are new to the role or an experienced practitioner, the networks provide a valuable forum for learning, discussion, and peer support.
• We encourage all Designated Teachers to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen practice and improve outcomes for our children and young people

Facilitator

Kirstie Rathbone Virtual Headteacher, Looked After Children, Early Help & Schools

Kirstie Rathbone is the Virtual Headteacher for Rochdale’s Virtual School. The Virtual Head and her small but very experienced team, champion education for cared for children, previously looked after children, children with a social and those in kinship care. Before becoming the Virtual Head, Kirstie held the role of Advisory Teacher for Children with a Social Worker in the Virtual School, working within systems and services across Rochdale as well as regionally and nationally to close the attainment gap for those on CIN/CP as well as those in care. Kirstie is a primary school teacher by training and prior to joining the service also worked as an SEN teacher due her passion for supporting vulnerable young people. Kirstie was born and raised in Rochdale and has dedicated her career to working in Rochdale schools and services and is incredibly proud to hold the role of Virtual Head and of her responsibilities as a corporate parent for our cared for children.

Venue & Travel Information

Hafley Court, OL12 9DJ

Buckley Road

Rochdale OL12 9DJ

United Kingdom