Olympian Fatima Whitbread headlines North East Lincolnshire Council’s inaugural Virtual School ‘Love and Belonging’ Conference

The conference was the first of its kind hosted by North East Lincolnshire Council and was organised by the Virtual School and Community Education Psychology Team. 

The event highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring every child and young person receives the support, stability and sense of belonging required to achieve and flourish. -  and the vital importance of listening to, and acting upon,  our children’s view and wishes. 

The Virtual School is not a physical school, but a service that works with schools, carers, social workers and professionals to improve educational progress, wellbeing and long-term outcomes for children who have received intervention from a social worker;  including children in our care, children who have previously been in care or care leavers.  The Community Education Psychology Team supports this with high quality training, advice and intervention.   

By connecting services, offering advocacy and providing tailored support, the Virtual School helps young people work towards their ambitions while helping educators better understand the challenges they may encounter. 

Fatima Whitbread delivered a powerful account of her personal journey and spoke about her ongoing mission to improve the care system. She discussed her recent initiative, Fatima’s UK Campaign, which focuses on creating environments that nurture confidence, self-worth, and positive futures for children in care and those moving into independence. As the founder of the charity behind the campaign, she outlined her vision to strengthen the care system across all four nations.  

The day placed care experienced young people at the centre of the conversation. Their stories and achievements offered insight into the difference supportive relationships and strong partnership working can make. Their contributions reinforced the importance of consistent and high-quality practice in creating safe and loving environments where children feel they belong and can succeed.    

As the event drew to a close, Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, reflected on its impact. 

“Today has been an important reminder of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose to champion our young people and ensure they feel seen, heard, and valued. Our Virtual School plays a vital role in helping every child in our care reach their potential, and this conference marks a significant step in our continued commitment to them.” 

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, added: 

“We are proud to host our first Virtual School Conference and to celebrate the voices that guide our improvement. Hearing Fatima’s story in person has been incredibly powerful and was an important reminder of believing and listening to our young people. I want to thank all of the speakers and everyone who attended for placing the needs of our children at the centre of today’s conversations.”