We are well into 2025 now, and similar challenges and patterns have emerged in the education sector when supporting learners. SEND, behaviour, mental health, and several other challenges have made positive reintegration difficult. But what if there was a way we could implement a better solution to support learners with a different approach that accommodates their needs? Could this be through online learning?
The SEND & AP Improvement Plan states:
“We have seen responses that reflect small, flexible provision being able to address individual need in supporting children and young people to engage with education. We have also heard powerful testimony from young adults who feel their life chances were transformed through attending non-school settings.”
Integrating small, flexible provisions could be through online learning. Let’s take a look at five reintegration strategies to support learners so they can positively return to mainstream education and how online learning can complement this.
1. Provide a Structured Transition Period
Learners struggling with their education need a flexible suitable solution that guides them at their own pace. A hybrid model, where learners combine online learning with face-to-face can help elevate confidence at a comfortable rate where they do not feel pressured. This can be extremely beneficial in internal alternative provisions where timetabling can be adjusted to accommodate needs.
2. Focus on Social-Emotional Learning
Emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA) and other mental health or emotional challenges have become prominent. To help learners rebuild confidence, you can use online learning to help them refocus initially and drive engagement with their education. Ensure you provide effective pastoral support to overcome any barriers to a learner’s education.
3. Offer Continuous Support
Combining personalised learning pathways with continuous support can be instrumental in developing a learner’s confidence when reintegrating back into mainstream education. When reintegrating a learner, it’s important to ensure they are offered academic and well-being support so they stay on track towards their aspirations.
4. Create a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
Schools need to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for returning learners. This means fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that all learners feel safe and supported. Schools can do this by organising welcome events, creating peer support groups, and providing training for teachers on how to support learners’ social and emotional needs. Make sure to not pressurise learners into anything that may discourage them from attending or getting involved.
5. Communicate Effectively for Reintegration
Effective communication is key to a smooth transition back to in-person learning. Schools should communicate clearly and regularly with learners and parents about the transition process, expectations, and available support services. Regular review meetings must be integrated to track learner progress or adjust educational delivery to accommodate a learner.
Online learning can be advantageous for learners and with the right strategies in place, it can also be an opportunity for growth and success when reintegrating back into mainstream education. By focusing on social-emotional learning, academic support, and a welcoming environment, schools can help learners thrive in the in-person classroom.
Try EDClass’s DfE-accredited Online Alternative Provision
EDClass, as a trusted DfE-accredited provider of online education could be the lifeline that some learners have been hoping for. With personalised learning pathways, regular reviews and a strategic reintegration plan implemented, learners can reignite their passion for learning and rebuild their confidence.
“Another significant strength of EDClass is the provision of carefully considered individualised schemes of work. Known as ‘learning pathways’, these take account of, and build on, the curriculum each pupil was following in their registered school prior to joining EDClass. This includes any specific exam syllabuses. As a result, when pupils return to mainstream education, they are well prepared to reintegrate into lessons.”
“I’d 100% recommend EDClass because it’s a successful platform that works. The customer service support, the reintegration strategy and the ability to align our curriculum make it second to none. So, I’d definitely recommend it to other schools or trusts out there looking for an online alternative provision solution.”
If you’re interested in learning more about EDClass and how it could assist you and your learners with reintegration, please get in touch by calling 01909 568338, send an email to mail@edclass.com or enquire directly here.
