Book a Free Taster Session!
OEAS Accredited Provider by the DfE
When a child or young person cannot access suitable mainstream education, the right alternative provision can protect their learning, wellbeing and future choices. Nisai provides structured, teacher-led online education for pupils who need a different route, whether the barrier is illness, mental health, special educational needs, exclusion or other circumstances affecting attendance.
Our alternative provision combines live teaching, small class sizes, personalised learning and regular support. We work with schools, local authorities, parents and other professionals to create a suitable pathway around each young person’s starting point, interests and intended outcomes.
Provision can support short-term educational continuity, a longer academic programme, reintegration into a mainstream school or progression into college, training or employment.
When a child or young person cannot access suitable mainstream education, the right alternative provision can protect their learning, wellbeing and future choices. Nisai provides structured, teacher-led online education for pupils who need a different route, whether the barrier is illness, mental health, special educational needs, exclusion or other circumstances affecting attendance.
Our alternative provision combines live teaching, small class sizes, personalised learning and regular support. We work with schools, local authorities, parents and other professionals to create a suitable pathway around each young person’s starting point, interests and intended outcomes.
Provision can support short-term educational continuity, a longer academic programme, reintegration into a mainstream school or progression into college, training or employment.
Alternative provision (AP) is education arranged for pupils who would not otherwise receive suitable education because of exclusion, illness or other reasons. Local authorities arrange education in some circumstances, while schools may arrange provision during a suspension, previously called a fixed-period exclusion, or use off-site provision to help improve behaviour.
Alternative education can be delivered through different alternative provision settings. These may include an alternative provision school, pupil referral units, further education colleges and independent alternative education providers. Online provision can also give pupils access to a structured curriculum when a traditional classroom is not suitable or available.
Nisai is an online education provider rather than a pupil referral unit. We provide education through live virtual lessons, teacher feedback, assignments, mentoring and monitored engagement. This allows a learner to attend from a suitable location while remaining connected to teachers, school staff and the wider learning community.
There is no one-size-fits-all reason for an alternative provision placement. Many pupils need additional support because several barriers have developed at the same time. Suitability should therefore be considered around the individual child or young person, rather than simply a diagnosis or label.
Nisai may support:
Every placement should have a clear aim. This may be to maintain academic progress, rebuild attendance, develop skills, prevent exclusions or support personal development. For some young people, the initial goal may simply be to re-engage with education and begin moving forward at a manageable pace.
Alternative provision should enable pupils to continue learning with suitable challenge and support. It should not assume that a learner is less capable because mainstream school has not worked for them.
Nisai starts with the learner’s current ability, circumstances and goals. Personalised learning can then account for gaps in education, uneven subject knowledge, health needs and the pace at which the learner is ready to progress.
Small class sizes give teachers more opportunity to notice participation, respond to questions and build positive relationships. Students can interact in ways that feel manageable while continuing to follow a structured academic programme.
For some pupils, online learning reduces the pressure created by noise, busy corridors, transitions or difficult peer experiences. For others, it provides the routine needed to rebuild attendance. Expectations remain clear, with academic learning supported by feedback, encouragement and practical advice.
Our team works with the referring school, local authority or family to understand the learner and agree a suitable starting point.
Attendance, contribution, engagement and academic progress are monitored. Reports and review discussions help the adults responsible for the placement decide what support may be needed next.
The programme can be managed alongside the learner’s existing school timetable, delivered as a fuller package or used within a planned pathway back into mainstream education.
Nisai’s alternative provision is teacher-led. Students attend live online classes rather than being given a bank of resources to work through alone. Lessons provide structure, direct teaching and opportunities to interact in ways that may feel more manageable than a physical classroom.
The curriculum includes pathways from upper Key Stage 3 through to GCSE, international GCSE and A level. Nisai also provides Functional Skills, Entry Level and Digital Skills courses, giving schools and local authorities options for pupils working at different academic levels.
Provision may focus on core subjects, fill a gap in a school timetable or form a longer programme leading to qualifications. The right pathway will depend on the learner’s starting point, previous education and future plans.
Academic access is only one part of a successful placement. A learner may also need help rebuilding trust, managing anxiety, developing independence or forming positive relationships with adults and peers.
Nisai can combine online lessons with virtual or in-person mentoring, wellbeing support and regular contact with the adults involved in the learner’s education. Mentors can support communication, resilience, routine, practical skills and personal development alongside academic goals.
Our wellbeing and mentoring services explain how this support can be shaped around the student. Learners with an EHCP or special educational needs can also follow a personalised plan linked to relevant outcomes. Further information is available for SEND and EHCP support, get in touch today.
Schools and local authorities need clear oversight of any alternative provision placement. Nisai monitors attendance, contribution and engagement alongside assessments, completed work and teacher feedback.
Reporting helps commissioners understand whether the learner is attending, taking part and making progress. Regular review points allow the programme to be adjusted when needs or circumstances change.
We work with school staff, parents and local authority teams so that decisions are based on current information rather than assumptions. This also helps everyone involved understand the learner’s progress, remaining barriers and likely next steps.
Quality assurance is central to the provision. Nisai is Section 41 approved by the Department for Education, accredited through the Online Education Accreditation Scheme and recognised as an IQM Centre of Excellence. These external checks sit alongside Nisai’s internal safeguarding, teaching and reporting processes to provide a quality-assured service.
Alternative provision does not have to begin after a permanent exclusion. Early support may help prevent exclusions by giving a pupil access to a calmer learning environment, an adapted timetable and more personalised support.
A school may use Nisai provision when a learner is at risk of exclusion, during a suspension or as part of a managed move. It can also maintain education while the school, local authority and family consider a longer-term placement.
Nisai Online Learning Zones offer another option for schools. A Learning Zone creates a calm, dedicated space within the school where students can access live online lessons, mentoring and structured support.
The child remains part of the school community while receiving a different form of education. This may suit pupils who struggle with the full classroom environment but can continue to attend the school site.
Explore Nisai Online Learning Zones to learn more about in-school delivery.
Reintegration may be the aim for some pupils, although it will not be appropriate in every case. A gradual plan can help a learner rebuild routine, increase attendance and prepare for a return to selected lessons or a fuller mainstream timetable.
For other young people, the intended outcome may be a new specialist placement, further education, employment or continued alternative education. The pathway should reflect the learner’s needs, circumstances and long-term interests.
Nisai works with the professionals responsible for the placement to review progress and consider what comes next. A successful outcome is not limited to returning to the previous school. It may also mean gaining qualifications, developing independence or making a suitable transition into college or training.
When comparing alternative education providers, commissioners need more than a subject list. They need to understand how teaching is delivered, how wellbeing is supported, how quality is managed and how progress will be reported.
Nisai brings academic education, personalised support and pastoral care together within one provision. We work with schools, local authorities and families to create practical placements that begin from the learner’s current position and adapt as they progress.
Our approach is designed to:
Schools and councils can also use Nisai as part of a wider local offer, alongside pupil referral units, specialist services and other alternative provision settings.
Many children with special educational needs benefit from small class sizes, personalised attention, and teachers who understand how to adapt lessons. An online school supports steady progress while protecting confidence and wellbeing.
Some families access online education through EHCP or alternative provision funding. Our SEND and EHCP guidance explains how support works and what options exist.
Children experiencing anxiety, school refusal, or health-related challenges often struggle with daily attendance. Online learning reduces pressure linked to travel, sensory overload, and overwhelming environments while maintaining access to live teaching and routine.
Pastoral care teams monitor engagement and wellbeing, helping children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn again.
Confidence often suffers when education becomes stressful or inaccessible. Online learning gives children space to rebuild self-belief through achievable goals, regular encouragement, and positive relationships with teachers.
Progress feels visible and manageable, which helps many children re-engage with learning over time.
Finding suitable provision begins with understanding the learner.
Tell us about their current education, attendance, academic level, support needs and intended next step. Our team can discuss the available options and help you consider whether Nisai is an appropriate placement.
We welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities, colleges, parents and professionals responsible for supporting children and young people. Get in touch now.
Parents want to know their child will attend school safely, access the right support, and progress each academic year. But for some children, full-time attendance in a mainstream school is not possible due to health needs, mental health, or persistent absence.
When this happens, parents are not alone. The law says every child of compulsory school age must receive a suitable education, and that does not always mean full-time attendance in a classroom. Options such as home education or flexi schooling are recognised by local authorities and can provide the right balance for your family.
One of the most common fears for parents is whether flexi schooling or online learning is legal. The answer is yes, these are valid forms of education, provided they are agreed with your child’s school and local authority, where necessary.
For more details, see our flexi schooling page, which explains the process step by step.
Many parents tell us they fear being judged for choosing an alternative to mainstream education. In reality, more parents are making these decisions every year because traditional school does not always meet every child’s needs.
Choosing flexi schooling, online learning, or home education does not mean lowering expectations. It means choosing the right environment where your child can succeed academically, protect their mental health, and regain confidence.
If your child is persistently absent, experiencing school refusal, or has lost confidence in mainstream education, the process can feel complicated. Here’s a simple structure to follow:
We provide clear advice for parents at every stage, so you don’t have to face the process alone.
Parents often worry about fees. The good news is that in many cases, fees for online SEND learning can be covered by local authorities through an EHCP or alternative provision funding.
Even without this, Nisai offers transparent fee structures, with options that match your child’s academic year and needs. Our aim is to make flexible, high-quality education accessible to more families.
For EHCP-related guidance, see our SEND and EHCPs page.
Local Authorities supported across the UK
Nisai global community
1,500+ students
Nisai global community
1,500+ students
Local Authorities supported across the UK
A safe and supportive learning environment is always our top priority. At Nisai, we provide a secure online school where children and young people can attend lessons, build confidence, and progress without fear of bullying or disruption.
Our experienced teachers understand the needs of learners who may have faced challenges in mainstream education, including those with special educational needs, mental health difficulties, or school refusal. With small class sizes and trained staff, your child receives the care and guidance they need in an environment designed to support learning and wellbeing.
Robust safeguarding policies, regular monitoring, and transparent communication with parents mean you can have peace of mind knowing your child is safe and supported every school day.
Smaller class sizes ensure that every pupil benefits from personalised learning. Teachers adapt lessons to match the child’s needs, whether they are following a full timetable or part time schooling through flexi education.
This tailored approach means that students receive individual attention, direct feedback, and the right support to make expected progress. Our teachers and support staff understand how to adjust methods for autistic children, those with additional health needs, and others who may have lost confidence in traditional school settings.
By combining online learning with flexibility, we help children feel valued, supported, and able to achieve their potential.
For many young people, confidence can be lost when education becomes overwhelming. At Nisai, we see confidence as central to academic progress. Our online learning approach gives pupils the space to succeed without the pressures of mainstream schools, while still ensuring they meet national standards for suitable education.
We celebrate achievements regularly – from improved attendance to completing written assignments – so children and parents can see clear progress. By encouraging every milestone, we rebuild self-worth and provide a pathway towards future success in education and life.
Education is more than academics. Our online school also offers social clubs, community activities, and opportunities to connect with other children. These activities are designed to support social development, teamwork, and friendships – vital for young people who may otherwise feel isolated in home education or flexi schooling arrangements.
Parents choosing online school often worry about social opportunities. With Nisai, you can be confident that your child benefits from both academic progress and a well-rounded school experience.
We know that parents need clarity about how their child is performing. Nisai provides detailed reports each academic term, covering attendance, participation, and academic outcomes. This gives you a more complete picture of your child’s education than many mainstream schools can provide.
We also offer online parents’ evenings, giving you the chance to speak directly with teachers, review progress, and ask questions about support, timetables, or additional provision. This level of transparency ensures you stay informed and reassured at every stage of the academic year.
Our Parent Portal helps you stay actively involved in your child’s education. You can check daily attendance, monitor assignments, and access school report cards with ease. This keeps you connected, even when your child is learning from home.
For parents working or balancing other responsibilities, the portal provides quick access to the information you need, whenever you need it. It supports joined up thinking between home, teachers, and our learning support staff, ensuring that education remains coherent and consistent.
Beyond teaching, Nisai offers ongoing guidance from form tutors, learning mentors, and support staff who understand the challenges families face. Whether your child is struggling with mental health, adjusting to a new school arrangement, or following a part-time timetable, our team is always available to provide extra support.
This wraparound care reassures parents that their child is never left without help. We work alongside parents, schools, and local authorities to ensure every young person receives the right support to succeed.
Nisai works in partnership with families, schools, and local authorities to create tailored timetables that reflect each student’s needs and circumstances. Our platform provides structure, accountability, and regular progress updates, ensuring that flexi-schooling does not mean a compromise in learning.
Whether you are considering flexi-schooling as a temporary solution or a longer-term option, Nisai offers a trusted, flexible pathway that puts your child’s education and wellbeing first.
Nisai works in partnership with families, schools, and local authorities to create tailored timetables that reflect each student’s needs and circumstances. Our platform provides structure, accountability, and regular progress updates, ensuring that flexi-schooling does not mean a compromise in learning.
Whether you are considering flexi-schooling as a temporary solution or a longer-term option, Nisai offers a trusted, flexible pathway that puts your child’s education and wellbeing first.
Nisai works in partnership with families, schools, and local authorities to create tailored timetables that reflect each student’s needs and circumstances. Our platform provides structure, accountability, and regular progress updates, ensuring that flexi-schooling does not mean a compromise in learning.
Whether you are considering flexi-schooling as a temporary solution or a longer-term option, Nisai offers a trusted, flexible pathway that puts your child’s education and wellbeing first.
Nisai works in partnership with families, schools, and local authorities to create tailored timetables that reflect each student’s needs and circumstances. Our platform provides structure, accountability, and regular progress updates, ensuring that flexi-schooling does not mean a compromise in learning.
Whether you are considering flexi-schooling as a temporary solution or a longer-term option, Nisai offers a trusted, flexible pathway that puts your child’s education and wellbeing first.
Yes. Online schooling operates within recognised education frameworks when arranged appropriately. The focus remains on suitability and provision rather than location alone.
“Her confidence has improved, and she is starting to address her anxiety so that she can continue to move forward.”
Parent Testimonial
Are you looking for a new website? Contact Outrank Today
