Alternative provision: AV1 robots supporting children missing out on education

In 2018, the first pilot with AV1 robots in the UK was funded by the Department for Education. Since then, the AV1s have been adopted by over 50 local authorities.

We are now keen to trial this across Ealing as a way to improve attainment whilst reducing the use of costly alternative provision.

AV1 robots being trialled in Ealing schools

Ellen Wilkinson School in North Ealing and Elthorne Park High School in Hanwell have started to use AV1 robots to improve attendance, and we have four more to loan free until July 2024.

This is part of a trial by the council to support students who are not accessing classroom learning. The robots were developed by No Isolation, and they have been used across England in a range of settings to support students with attainment.

The robots are taken to the classroom by teachers or by classmates, enabling the student to remotely access learning using a smart device, ensuring safeguarding. The next step for the council is to explore using this technology for students with medical needs or those that receive alternative provision at home.

Case study: Moulsham High School

To see a case study of AV1 being used visit Moulsham High School - AV1 by No Isolation

We were inspired by Mark Blenkin, Deputy Head at Moulsham High School in Chelmsford, which has an attendance rate of 95% and where they use more than twenty AV1’s. Every student completes 9 GCSE’s/equivalent. The school does not use Alternative Provision and uses the cost savings to commission a range of therapeutic offers for support students.

The outcomes for young people are:

• Improved attendance
• Improved attainment and progress
• Improved mental health and wellbeing
• Increased sense of belonging
• Reintegration to the school and classroom
• Reduction in escalation of need

Further information

If your school would like more information please contact Shana Nessa on nessash@ealing.gov.uk