Lisa Steel

Prior to my time at Hillingdon Virtual School, I have over ten years' experience in education in both mainstream and alternative provisions. I have worked in a variety of roles from SEN support in mainstream secondary schools to leading a support team in Alternative Provision. I have specialised in supporting children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, reintegration to mainstream settings and social and emotional literacy interventions. I have several years' experience in private tutoring as well as providing respite care for young people with complex learning needs. What I enjoy most about working with vulnerable children and young people is how much they inspire me with their resilience to overcome so many barriers. This drove me to work in Virtual School where I feel privileged to support children and young people that have had a difficult start in life, and the teams around them, to ensure they have the best chance to achieve their full potential despite their obstacles.  

I have worked at Hillingdon Virtual School since 2018. I have had many roles including Virtual School Officer for LAC, Lead Practitioner for SEND and PLAC and I am currently Advanced Lead Practitioner for Children with a Social Worker (CWSW). I am passionate about using Virtual School experience and relationships with education and social care colleagues to improve the long-term outcomes of children known to social care. All children have the right to an inclusive education suitable to their needs, and this is even more important when a child has lived through or is living through adversity, as many CWSW are. In this role, I am identifying key themes and trends for this cohort, providing information and advice to professionals working with them and organising relevant training for education and social care colleagues. My hope is that CWSW will become as known, understood and championed as their LAC peers are by the professional networks around them. Their behaviour will be seen as communication and we will all have the confidence and skills to identify, address and overcome their unmet needs, helping them to thrive in education and life.

Contact Details

Email: lsteel@hillingdon.gov.uk