Online alternative provision (OAP) is a growing trend in education, with many schools and local authorities now offering OAP programs to support students with behavioural problems.
Traditionally schools may resort to isolating students with limited educational resources and support staff resulting in poor progression or personal development. Schools also may have to exclude or suspend students which can be costly and cause additional workload to an already strained workforce.
It can be difficult to reduce exclusions in schools and some are completely necessary. However, schools should take an active approach to follow government guidance to attempt to reduce exclusions or provide effective education for those with behavioural challenges. Department for Education guidance highlights:
“94. It is important for schools to help minimise the disruption that suspension or permanent exclusion can cause to a pupil’s education. Whilst the statutory duty on governing boards or local authorities is to arrange full-time education from the sixth day of a suspension or permanent exclusion, there is an obvious benefit to the pupil in starting this provision as soon as possible. In the case of a looked-after child or child with a social worker, the school and the local authority should work together to arrange alternative provision from the first day following the suspension or permanent exclusion.”
Online alternative provision can be the perfect solution for behavioural problems
Finding the most suitable solution as early as possible can support students so they can still fulfil their potential. An online alternative provision has the capability to develop students in terms of their behaviour, welfare and ambition. Here are some glaring benefits of online alternative provision:
- A more flexible and individualised learning experience: OAP programs can be tailored to the individual needs of each student, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed.
- A more supportive and inclusive environment: OAP programs can provide students with a more supportive and inclusive learning environment than mainstream schools.
- A pastoral care element: Some OAPs can provide extensive pastoral care from qualified teaching staff in some instances. With one-to-one support, students feel valued, welcomed and more inclined to engage with their learning.
- A wider range of subjects and activities: OAP programs can offer a wider range of subjects and activities than mainstream schools, which can help students find their interests and develop their skills.
OAP is a viable option for students with behavioural problems who are struggling in mainstream schools. OAP can provide students with a safe and supportive environment, the flexibility to learn at their own pace, and access to a wide range of educational resources and support services.
A focus on personal development in OAPs can also be focused on. Support for students can be systematic and logical and future careers can be outlined easier than a mainstream setting may provide.
Interested in implementing an effective online alternative provision?
EDClass’s online alternative provision is a perfect platform to assist students with behavioural problems. Students can access one-to-one support from UK-qualified teachers and they act as designated pastoral professionals, reducing the workload for schools who choose the provision.
Students can also be educated by specific behaviour-repair lessons and overcome the current lapses in judgement they may be experiencing. Students can also become more engaged in their learning.
The OAP can be used in any way with an internet connection. This can be included in isolation or detention areas where learning can still be accessed so no learning is further lost.
Attendance codes can be claimed by schools so their statistics are not affected; this benefits schools when an Ofsted inspection occurs.
If you would like to learn more then visit EDClass, call 01909 568388, send an email to mail@edclass.com or book a free online demonstration here.
