At Shropshire Virtual School, supporting unaccompanied young people in Key Stage 5 presents a unique challenge. Although these learners are under the care of the local authority, most do not actually live in Shropshire. They are placed across different parts of the country, each with different circumstances, barriers, and levels of educational engagement.
For many, English is not their first language. Some arrive with very limited proficiency, making it difficult to access further education, training, or employment opportunities. As a result, a number of these young people were at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
To address this, Shropshire Virtual School worked closely with Nisai Learning to co-produce a new, tailored solution: the Stream online re-engagement programme.
An online re-engagement programme built around real needs
Rather than choosing a standard off-the-shelf intervention, the Stream programme was designed specifically for this cohort. The focus was simple but powerful: help learners build the English language skills and confidence they needed to progress into education, employment, or training.
The programme combined:
- Live online teaching
- Supported self-study
- Structured phonics-based literacy work using Units of Sound
- Clear progression routes into ESOL, college, or training
Nisai also trained the Virtual School’s project officer to deliver elements of the intervention, creating a more sustainable and responsive model of support.
“We’ve created this bespoke programme. It’s not just a package off the shelf — it’s designed around what our young people actually need.” – Jo Kelly
Measurable improvements in engagement and NEET reduction
The impact was quickly visible. As learners who had previously been disengaged joined the online re-engagement programme, the Virtual School saw a 10% reduction in NEET figures by June. Continued support and progression planning led to a 7% reduction in November.
Beyond the data, individual learner stories showed just how significant the changes were.
A learner’s journey: from single words to confident communication
One young woman joined the Stream programme with extremely limited English. At the start, she relied mostly on single words and was unable to form full sentences.
Through the programme, she began using the Units of Sound literacy intervention. She engaged well in sessions and continued practising independently outside of lessons.
By the final week of the programme, the transformation was clear. She delivered an independent presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating both her growing subject knowledge and her ability to communicate in English.
Shortly afterwards, she attended her looked-after child review without an interpreter and was able to express her needs confidently on her own.
She has since progressed to an ESOL course at a local college, taking the next step in her education journey.
“The outcomes we’ve had are brilliant. We’re getting clear impact -10% off NEET in June and 7% off in November -by making sure our young people are supported in the way they need to be supported.” – Jo Kelly
Fast, flexible online tuition at the point of need
Alongside the Stream programme, the partnership has enabled Shropshire Virtual School to respond more quickly to individual learners.
Through a Pupil Premium Plus-funded service level agreement, the Virtual School can now:
- Put online tuition in place within one day of referral
- Provide core subjects such as English, maths, and science
- Support learners who move placement suddenly
- Offer provision for pupils with emotional-based school avoidance
This rapid response helps minimise gaps in learning and ensures young people remain connected to education, even during periods of instability.
“Literally within a day, we can have core curriculum in place. That means we minimise gaps in learning when circumstances suddenly change.” – Jo Kelly
A virtual school partnership focused on outcomes
For Shropshire Virtual School, the value of the partnership lies in its flexibility and collaborative approach. Instead of a fixed package, the provision can be shaped around the needs of different groups of learners.
By working together, the Virtual School and Nisai have created a responsive, innovative online re-engagement model that:
- Re-engages vulnerable young people
- Improves English language confidence
- Reduces NEET figures
- Supports progression into further education and training
Most importantly, it gives young people the opportunity to rebuild their confidence and move forward with a clear pathway.
“I see Nisai as a conduit to accessing best practice from other local authorities. That’s good for our young people.” – Jo Kelly
