The Virtual Classroom supports other ACRE Services, such as Out of School Tuition (OOST) and Tailor-Made-Programmes (TMP) through a variety of online educational provision. This includes live online lessons or tuition, supported self-study packages accessed via our own learning platform, or a blend of the 2, prepared and delivered by qualified subject teachers.
Students already accessing Out of School Tuition (OOST), Tailor Made Programmes (TMP) or in some cases, Virtual School, provision can also be referred to the Virtual Classroom for live online lessons with our current approved commercial online lesson provider, Academy21. Academy21 live online lessons can be accessed by students receiving ACRE provision in year 7 to year 11, in core subjects including GCSE examinations at both foundation and higher level.
All Academy21 online lessons are delivered 'live' by qualified specialist teachers based on the National Curriculum, and accessed at home or from any suitable venue. Appropriate supervision and support is required during all live lessons.
The Virtual Classroom provides student training and ongoing technical and educational support, including the loan of a secure laptop if required.
Out of School Tuition tutors, teachers or key workers act as mentors and support the students to help ensure success. Attendance, engagement, and progress of students accessing Academy21 provision is monitored via daily checks, liaison with parents or carers, schools and learning mentors.
All students accessing Academy21 lessons receive a weekly report based on engagement, understanding and participation in live lessons, work completed and full subject reports every term.
Staff in the Virtual Classroom liaise with Academy21 staff, parent or carers, referring agencies, mentors, schools, Derbyshire County Council services and outside agencies, such as health services throughout the time students access the provision. The regular contact and wealth of information provided helps to ensure the effectiveness of the provision in meeting a student’s educational needs.
Who do I contact to find out more?
Chesterfield team telephone: 01629 537498
Peter Wheatley - Virtual Classroom Manager
Email: peter.wheatley@derbyshire.gov.uk