Nisai Learning is a SEND virtual school that provides flexible learning support for children and young people with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). We understand the pressures you face when your child struggles in mainstream school, when attendance becomes difficult, or when you feel lost in the EHCP process. Our aim is to give you and your child the structure, reassurance, and personalised help you need.
What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
An EHCP is a legally binding document that sets out the support your child is entitled to if they have special educational needs or disabilities. The plan makes sure your child receives the right provision to achieve progress in education and life.
Each plan includes:
- A description of your child’s needs.
- Outcomes and goals for making expected progress.
- The special educational provision required.
- Health care and social care support.
- The educational setting – which could be a mainstream school, special school, or a trusted SEND virtual school like Nisai.
Every plan is reviewed annually. The annual review is a meeting to check the plan still reflects your child’s needs and that the right provision is in place.
For a full guide on how we support families through this process, visit our SEND and EHCPs page.
How can online schooling support SEN children?
Online learning creates flexible options for children who cannot attend full time in a traditional school setting. This might be because of medical needs, mental health, or difficulties with mainstream education.
With Nisai, your child will receive:
- Live online lessons taught by qualified teachers.
- Small class sizes that allow personalised support.
- Structured timetables that can be adapted to individual needs.
- Regular reports to track attendance and progress.
- Integration with technology and tools that make learning inclusive for every student.
This balance ensures your child continues to meet EHCP goals while gaining confidence and staying engaged with education. To explore how we tailor learning pathways, view the Nisai Curriculum.
How does Nisai help parents through the EHCP process?
We know that the EHCP process can feel complex and stressful. From requesting an EHC needs assessment to receiving a draft plan and attending annual reviews, every stage brings decisions and paperwork. Nisai supports you throughout.
Before the EHCP is issued
If your child is undergoing an assessment, we can provide evidence of progress, draft personalised support plans, and advise on the provision that should be included in the draft EHCP. This makes it easier for your local authority to recognise what your child needs.
After the EHCP is issued
When the local authority agrees the final EHCP, we deliver the special educational provision set out in the plan. You receive detailed progress updates and reports to feed into the annual review, so you can be confident the EHCP remains accurate and effective.
For more practical advice, see our Advice for Parents page.
Why is Section 41 approval important for parents?
Nisai is recognised by the Department for Education under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014. This means:
- We are an approved SEND school eligible to be named on an EHCP.
- Local authorities have a duty to consult with us if requested.
- Parents can be reassured our provision meets national SEND standards.
This approval is a safeguard for families, giving you confidence that choosing Nisai means choosing a provider trusted by both government and local authorities.
What options do post-16 learners have with Nisai?
We know parents worry about what happens after school. At Nisai, we provide EHCP support for students aged 16–25 to ensure young people remain engaged and progress towards independence.
Our post-16 offer includes:
- British curriculum courses from Entry Level through to A Levels.
- Functional Skills, GCSEs, and vocational programmes.
- Mentoring and wellbeing support alongside academic learning.
- Short-term re-engagement courses and long-term pathways.
- Careers advice and preparation for further education, training, or employment.
Our approach helps your child prepare for the future with confidence.
7 Benefits of flexible online SEND learning
Choosing the right SEND school is a big decision for any parent. Families who come to Nisai often tell us they need two things above all else: flexibility that works around their child’s needs, and accountability that reassures them learning is on track. Our flexible online approach provides both, with clear benefits for students and parents.
1. Approved SEND school that can be named on EHCPs
Because Nisai is recognised under Section 41 by the Department for Education, we are eligible to be named in a child’s EHCP. This gives you confidence that the provision we offer is legally recognised and trusted by local authorities across the UK.
2. Qualified teachers trained in SEND learning support
All lessons are taught live by qualified teachers with experience of working with children who have special educational needs. Small class sizes and individualised teaching mean your child receives the right balance of challenge and support.
3. Safe and structured online environment
For many children, attending mainstream schools can feel overwhelming. Nisai offers a safe online classroom where lessons are structured, expectations are clear, and your child can learn without unnecessary pressure. Safeguarding and online safety are built into everything we do, so you know your child is protected.
4. Regular reports for parents, schools, and local authorities
Transparency is important. You receive termly progress reports that detail attendance, participation, and academic progress. These reports can be shared with schools and local authorities to show clear evidence of how your child is meeting their EHCP outcomes.
5. Evidence-based outcomes to show progress
We measure and track each student’s progress carefully. This data gives you a complete picture of how your child is achieving and provides solid evidence for annual reviews or future applications. Families often tell us this evidence makes discussions with local authorities easier and less stressful.
6. Support that covers education, health, and wellbeing together
An EHCP is not just about academics – it covers health and social care too. We work holistically, supporting education alongside wellbeing and social needs. Our staff understand the impact that mental health and confidence have on learning and address these areas with care.
7. Wellbeing services alongside learning
We know emotional wellbeing is essential for educational success. Our dedicated wellbeing services give students a safe space to talk, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their child is supported not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.
FAQs about flexible online SEND learning
Is online schooling suitable for SEN children?
Yes. Online schooling allows students to learn at their own pace with fewer distractions, smaller classes, and specialist support. It is especially helpful for children who find mainstream education overwhelming.
Does an EHCP cover the costs of online SEND support?
In most cases, if Nisai is named in your child’s EHCP, the local authority covers the fees. Parents do not have to pay privately for provision agreed in the plan.
How does online SEND learning support mental health?
Online learning reduces some of the pressures of attending a busy school environment. With smaller classes, personalised support, and access to wellbeing programmes, your child can focus on learning without added stress.
Next steps for parents considering SEND support
If you are exploring flexible learning for SEN children, or want clearer guidance through the EHCP process, Nisai is here to help. We partner with parents, schools, and local authorities to provide tailored online SEND learning that ensures your child receives the right support.
For more advice, learn more about SEND and EHCPs or contact our EHCP team today to discuss how Nisai can support your child.
