An exciting programme of events is promised for guests at Reading Virtual School’s first virtual annual conference in June.

The theme is ‘United Journeys: Transform lives, shape futures, be remembered’ and is aimed at those who look after and work with care experienced children and young people.

There is an impressive line-up of top guest speakers throughout the day along with reflections from Reading care leavers and an award-winning short film about a young boy living with a foster family, called Be-Longing.

The free conference is being hosted online on Friday 17 June, 9am-3pm, and registration is open now.

Leading practitioner and author Louise Michelle Bomber is the keynote speaker opening the conference. Louise has a wealth of experience as both an adoptive parent and as a professional and is author of the book Inside I’m Hurting and, more recently, Know Me to Teach Me.

Closing the conference will be inspirational keynote speaker and author Jaz Ampaw-Farr. Jaz has led national and international projects unlocking potential in leaders and teams and is renowned for the impact she has had on the education and health sectors.

Other guest speakers include author and Brighter Futures for Children practitioner Bharti Dhir, trainer and author Lisa Cherry and a representative from Coram Children’s Legal Services.

Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children which provides education and children’s services in Reading, said: “Our Virtual School is delighted to be staging its first annual conference with such an esteemed programme of influential speakers.

“I am sure social workers, designated safeguarding leads, foster carers and anyone else who works with care experienced children and young people will find this an inspirational and thought-provoking event.”

Each registration for the event will be entered into a raffle to win one of five copies of Bharti Dhir’s book, Worth. Any school whose staff register for a place will also be sent a copy of Louise Michelle Bomber’s Attachment Aware Schools Series.

For more information and to register for the conference visit: Reading Virtual School Conference.

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council with the responsibility of delivering education and children’s services in Reading.
  • Reading Virtual School exists to raise educational attainment and aspiration and narrow the gap between children in care and their peers.