SOME of the Island's most vulnerable children are now using interactive online plans to aid their progress at school.
The Department of Education and Children has swapped traditional paper records for electronic Personal Education Plans (ePEPs) for children in care.
Sally Brookes, head of services for children at the DEC, said: "The old PEPs were seen by children and staff as laborious to complete but ePEPs provide a fun stimulating and enjoyable alternative.
"They use the latest in 3D animation to create an interactive and vivid environment that is being received enthusiastically by the children using them."
Children, their social workers and teachers have a hand in filling in the plans online and re-visiting them during the school year.
Sally continued: "ePEPs are a great vehicle for ensuring that a looked-after child makes the progress they should in education and that, where appropriate, they receive the support they need to do well.
"These online plans will enable us to more effectively monitor the educational progress of children in care and will consequently improve their participation and achievement in education."
Ed Coates, childcare co-ordinator at Social Services, said: "The adoption of ePEPs by the Department of Education and Children and the Department of Social Care is a terrific demonstration of working together to integrate children's services - something they were called on to do by the commission of inquiry into the care of young people in 2006."
The Voices in Participation Council – a group of young people in care – will be involved in the development of ePEPs.
Aisha Howard, the VIP Council's participation officer said: "The opportunity to have a say is important to children and young people in care in the Isle of Man.
"The ePEPs virtual world is a fun refreshing alternative to the previous paper-based educational plans.
"It feels less intimidating – something children and young people value. They can also feel confident in where their information is going to and keep track of their own progress."
There are approximately 100 children - who are in care and attend school – who will benefit from this new initiative.
The introduction of ePEPS has cost £12,000 which includes training for both Departments and for care providers.
