NAVSH 2026: Strengthening systems, relationships and opportunity for children in care
The NAVSH 2026 Annual Conference this week brought together Virtual School Heads, local authority leaders, educators and sector partners at a moment of significant national change. Across two days, a clear and consistent message emerged: improving outcomes for children in care and those known to social care will depend on stronger systems, more stable relationships and earlier, more coordinated support.
A shared purpose in challenging times
Opening the conference, Carolyn Lawler acknowledged both the ambition and the reality of the sector’s work. Despite sustained pressure across education, social care and wider public services, she reflected the resilience, insight and commitment of professionals who continue to hold children firmly at the centre of their practice.
Her message was clear. Systems improve when people work together. Progress depends on shared learning, constructive challenge and collective responsibility for creating the conditions in which children can flourish.
Social justice, potential and the urgency for change
Building on this, Josh MacAlister spoke directly to the persistent social justice gap facing children in care and those known to social care. Despite decades of policy attention, outcomes for these young people have not improved quickly enough and in some areas have worsened.
He emphasised the enormous potential these children bring: resilience, adaptability and the capacity to build meaningful relationships, often in the context of instability. Realising that potential, however, depends on systems that provide the right opportunities at the right time.
Strengthening education, relationships and early support
Across the conference, several priorities came into focus:
- Widening access to evidence informed teaching and tutoring
- Raising aspirations for higher education, apprenticeships and employment
- Strengthening local authority accountability and support for Virtual School Heads
Alongside this sat a consistent reminder that educational progress cannot be separated from stable, trusted relationships. Whether through foster care, extended family networks or consistent professional support, children achieve more when the adults around them are reliable, informed and committed to helping them build a sense of belonging and identity.
Reforming the system around children and families
Both speakers emphasised the continued shift towards earlier help and family support, alongside the need to reduce reliance on crisis driven intervention. Reference was made to the national rollout of Families First and to reforms intended to strengthen a more decisive, evidence informed and relationship centred child protection system.
The ambition is clear:
- More children growing up safely within family and community networks
- Fewer entering care due to delay or missed opportunities
- Stronger multi agency coordination around each child
Why this matters to Pupil Pathways
Across both days, the underlying message was consistent. Children succeed when the adults and systems around them work together, share insight and intervene early.
At Pupil Pathways, our focus is on enabling that collaboration in practice. Our digital infrastructure supports schools, social care teams and local authorities to share information securely, identify needs earlier and deliver more stable transitions for children and young people across every phase of education.
Looking ahead
NAVSH 2026 reinforced the scale of the challenge ahead, but also the shared commitment across the sector to meet it. We are grateful to everyone who visited our stand and contributed to thoughtful, practical conversations across the two days.
If you would like a follow‑up conversation or demonstration about how we can support your incredible work, we would be delighted to continue the discussion, email us at hello@pupilpathways.com.
