Eight weeks inclusive online schooling is to be provided free by National Fostering Group to children ‘out of education’ when starting with new foster carers in London and the South East. The new provision will enable Local Authorities to help bridge the widening 18 month attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their mainstream counterparts and to meet their statutory duty to provide 25 hours schooling per week during this transition.
Fostering agencies participating in the pilot funded by National Fostering Group include NFA London, Heath Farm in Whitstable, Ryancare Fostering in Wanstead and Next Step Fostering in Croydon, London. Further to the successful completion of the pilot, National Fostering Group plans to roll out provision nationwide.
“Analysis shows that approximately 10% of all new children arrive ‘out of education’, and although the time-frame varies massively, the average length of time is 8 weeks for them to find a new school placement. Time missed can quickly amass to over a full academic year for those who are subjected to moves – it’s vital that effective provision is in place during these times,” said Steve Christie, Managing Director, National Fostering Group.
“Our new real time online school staffed by specialist teachers for Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 children and young people requiring an alternative learning environment will provide just that. Children in care and those with barriers to learning can find a physical school environment initially too overwhelming; this inclusive online school from Acorn Digital Learning supports them to integrate back into school or post 16 provision.”
Commenting on the new online inclusive school from Acorn Digital Learning, Eileen Field, Headteacher said, “As stated by the National Institute of Health and Care a large proportion of children who become looked after do so because of abuse, neglect or family dysfunction that causes acute stress among family members. Entry into care is usually a traumatic experience and brings with it a significant sense of loss. Older children in care may also experience significant problems at school. For those children and young people who remain in long-term care creating a sense of belonging and emotional security is vital to their health and wellbeing.
“Looked after children start with the disadvantage of their pre-care experiences and often have special educational needs. All our teachers are trained to recognize and address attachment issues which typically result from an early separation from parents, incidents of trauma, instances of neglect, or an otherwise troubled childhood. They employ a child-centred approach with each pupil to unlock their interests, enthusiasm and future aspirations.
“We recognise and nurture the unique nature of each of our students and together, we enable them to make choices, benefit from opportunities and develop the strength of character and resilience to overcome any barriers in their way.
“The new online school follows the rhythm of a school day with time-tabled lessons delivered by teachers trained to identify learning gaps and to prepare each child for a smooth return to their educational provision.”
Staffed by specialist teachers who work from home, they teach classes containing up to 15 students using a learning management system, Zoom for Education and content from Oxford University Press and other leading educational publishers. Using all the digital collaboration tools, teachers can interact with students and replicate the best of classroom learning.
“The huge advantage of online provision for this vulnerable group of young people is the stability and continuity it will bring to their lives amid so much change and uncertainty. As Sir Jim Knight said, ‘nothing should hold children back from achievement’. We are urging all local authorities nationwide to work with us to level the educational playing field and improve the life chances of all looked after children”, said Steve Christie.