The team

Education Support for Looked After Children (ESLAC) is part of the Virtual School and is a Children’s Services team which promotes and supports the education of looked after children.

We share the aim of the Virtual School to improve the educational attainment of looked after children.  Our contribution to achieving that aim is significant and includes:

• ensuring that looked after children are prioritised and fast tracked where ever possible through services within the County Council. for example school admissions;
• establishing and maintaining a professional network at both local and strategic level to promote the education of looked after children;
• advising and supporting schools and social care staff in matters relating to the education of looked after children;
• remaining up to date with the latest government advice and good practice.

The support we offer

• Classroom support in school
• Additional teacher time in school
• Teacher time after school to help you catch up
• Extra help after school with some GCSE revision
• Loan of educational software
• Ensure that all KS4 pupils have access to a computer to support homework and coursework
• Ensure that Yr 11 students have the support of a learning mentor from outside of the school
• Ensure that KS4 students have the appropriate GCSE revision guides
• Negotiate with schools regarding alternative provision
• Support regarding integration programmes
• Support Social Workers when a change of school is required
• Training and awareness raising for other professionals who may work with looked after children

Contact us

We do not have a complicated referral procedure, simply telephone or email.  We are always pleased to talk to young people and will accept referrals from carers, social workers, parents and teachers.

John Murrells:  Team Leader  John.Murrells@northumberland.gov.uk 

Tim Wyncoll:  Teacher  Tim.Wyncoll@northumberland.gov.uk

Sheila Kirkup:  Senior Education Support Worker  Sheila.Kirkup@northumberland.gov.uk  
Linda Lynch: Education Support Worker  Linda.Lynch@northumberland.gov.uk

Tara Prescott: Education Support Worker  Tara.Prescott@northumberland.gov.uk

Debbie Tomkinson: Education Support Worker Deborah.Tomkinson@northumberland.gov.uk

Peter Green:  Learning Mentor Peter.Green@northumberland.gov.uk

Adele Stevens:  Admin Support  Adele.Stevens@northumberland.gov.uk

General Enquiries:  e-mail eslac.info@northumberland.gov.uk

Location:

The Edzone

NCH Wansbeck Young Peoples Centre

South View

Ashington

NE63 0SF

Telephone 01670 810433

Fax 01670 521418