The Virtual Classroom works in partnership with Out of School Tuition (OOST) and Tailor-Made Programmes (TMP) with virtual and online educational provision. This includes live online lessons, supported self-study packages accessed via our own learning platform, or a blend of the two prepared and delivered by qualified subject teachers.
Where appropriate, pupils can be offered live online lessons with the current approved commercial provider, Academy21. This provision is for pupils who are in Y7 to Y11 in core subjects. GCSE lessons are available for pupils in Y10 and Y11.
All Academy21 online lessons are delivered 'live' by qualified specialist teachers and accessed at home or from any suitable venue. Parent supervision and support is required during all live lessons.
The Virtual Classroom provides training and ongoing technical and education support, including the load of a secure laptop if required.
OOST or TMP teachers or key workers act as mentors and support pupils with all aspects of learning with Academy21. Attendance, engagement, and progress is monitored via daily checks, liaison with parents or carers, schools, and learning mentors. There is a weekly report based on engagement, understanding and participation. Full subject reports are issued every term.
We liaise with Academy21 staff, parents or carers, referring agencies, mentors, schools, other council services and outside agencies, such as health services throughout the time pupils access the provision.
Our aim is to support all children and young people known to the service to meet their potential and return to a school or setting as soon as possible.