A child’s postcode should not determine their educational opportunities
The Children’s Commissioner’s warning about geographical inequalities raises an important question: Are we doing enough to ensure every child can access the education they need? Access to education is about more than having a school place. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), emotional barriers to school attendance, or other complex circumstances, being […]
The Youth Employment Crisis: are we asking the right questions early enough?
As concern grows about the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), we need to look beyond what happens when they leave school and examine the barriers they may have faced long before. The national debate about youth employment rightly focuses on qualifications, skills, training and opportunities for work. But are […]
Feeling part of school doesn’t always mean looking forward to going
New research highlights the gap between feeling a sense of belonging at school and looking forward to attending. In this article, we explore what this means for young people, families and schools, and how a different approach to education can help. A young person can have friends at school, get along with their teachers and […]
What Does EOTAS Stand For and What Does It Mean in Education?
EOTAS stands for Education Otherwise Than At School. In England, it describes an arrangement where a local authority organises a child or young person’s special educational provision outside a school or college because education in a formal setting is not appropriate for their needs. This does not mean the learner stops receiving education. Instead, […]
What Is Elective Home Education?
Elective Home Education (EHE) is when parents choose to take responsibility for educating their child at home, or through other arrangements they organise, instead of sending them to school full-time. It is sometimes referred to as home education or homeschooling. In England, parents have a legal responsibility to ensure children of compulsory school age receive […]
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling: A UK Guide for Parents
The main advantages of homeschooling are greater flexibility, more control over how a child learns and the ability to adapt education around their individual needs. The potential disadvantages include the time and responsibility placed on parents, arranging social opportunities, covering costs and organising qualifications such as GCSEs. Whether homeschooling is right for your child depends […]
From attendance to participation: understanding meaningful re-engagement
A new article co-authored by Nisai Learning and ASDAN considers how education can help learners reconnect – and why attendance alone cannot tell the whole story. Attendance remains one of the most pressing challenges facing education. But while attendance data can identify patterns of absence, it cannot fully explain whether a learner feels able to […]
Why educational AI must remain human-centred
Nisai Learning founder and CEO Dhruv Patel has contributed a new article to the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, exploring how artificial intelligence can support student success without diminishing the role of teachers, relationships or human judgement. ‘Human-Centred AI for Learning: Supporting Student Success Across the Commonwealth’ examines the opportunities AI may create for learners, […]
Tackling Literacy Barriers Among NEET Young People in England
Low literacy remains one of the most persistent and under-addressed barriers facing young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) in England. While policy discussions often focus on employability and re-engagement, literacy is the foundation that underpins both. Without addressing it effectively, long-term outcomes remain limited. In today’s digital landscape, improving literacy […]
Nisai Sponsors the Digital Engagement, Social Justice and Alternative Provision Conference at UWE Bristol
Exploring inclusion, belonging and the future of digital alternative provision Nisai Learning was proud to sponsor and attend the Digital Engagement, Social Justice and Alternative Provision Conference on 31 July, hosted by UWE Bristol. The event brought together academics, practitioners and education professionals to explore how digital engagement and alternative provision can support learners who […]
What Is Alternative Provision?
Alternative provision, often shortened to AP, is education arranged for children and young people who would not otherwise receive suitable education because of exclusion, illness or other circumstances. Schools may also use it during a suspension or as off-site support intended to improve a pupil’s engagement or behaviour. Alternative provision is not one particular type […]
OEAS and Ofsted: What Is the Difference?
OEAS and Ofsted both play an important part in the quality assurance of full-time online education in England, though they have different responsibilities. The Online Education Accreditation Scheme, known as OEAS, is run by the Department for Education. Ofsted acts as the scheme’s independent quality assurance body by carrying out suitability checks and visiting providers […]
When Is a Child Ready to Return to Mainstream School?
There is no single test or fixed timeframe that determines when a child is ready to return to mainstream school. Readiness depends on the progress the learner has made, whether the barriers affecting attendance have been addressed and how prepared the receiving school is to support them. A child does not need to be free […]
Nisai Officially Awarded Department for Education OEAS Accreditation
Independent Recognition of Excellence in Online Education Nisai Virtual Academy is proud to announce that it has been officially accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) under the Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS). Following a comprehensive assessment by Ofsted, the published report confirmed that: “Nisai Virtual Academy Limited meets all the minimum standards for online […]
Seven Years of Research Reveals What Really Improves Outcomes for Learners with SEND
How an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Nisai and the University of Staffordshire is helping shape the future of online education for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Every child deserves an education that enables them to thrive. Yet for many children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), accessing the right support […]
Nisai Virtual Academy Publishes Latest OEAS Report
We are delighted to share the publication of Nisai Virtual Academy’s latest Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS) report. The report confirms that: “Nisai Virtual Academy Limited meets all the minimum standards for online education.” The published report recognises the strength of Nisai’s provision across teaching and learning, safeguarding, learner wellbeing and outcomes, highlighting the positive […]
What Should Schools Look for in Online Alternative Provision?
Created through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Nisai Learning and the University of Staffordshire, this guide is informed by over five years of pupil data and explores how non-traditional education can boost engagement, improve outcomes and support future success. Nisai’s NET Practical Guide offers schools and local authorities a practical starting point for understanding what […]
Celebrating 30 years of transforming lives through education
This year marks a very special milestone for Nisai as we proudly celebrate 30 years of transforming lives through education. For three decades, Nisai has been committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities, supporting learners across the world and embracing innovation in education. To honour this incredible journey, we recently brought our team together for a […]
How to Apply for Online Schooling in the UK
Applying for online schooling can feel like a big step, especially if your child has been struggling in a physical school setting or you are unsure which route is right. Online school gives students access to structured lessons, qualified teachers and support without needing to attend a school site every day. For many families, it […]
Sarah Johnson Visits Nisai: Strengthening Relationships in Inclusive Education
Nisai was delighted to welcome Sarah Johnson to our office recently, marking an inspiring and meaningful visit that highlighted the importance of collaboration, relationships, and shared values in delivering inclusive education. Sarah, an advocate for education and community-driven impact, spent time meeting with the Nisai team, learning more about our approach to supporting students with […]
Nisai Completes Pilot Class at Binh Minh Primary School: Advancing Inclusive Education
Nisai has successfully completed a pilot inclusive education programme at Binh Minh Primary School, marking an important step towards flexible, accessible learning for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within the public education system. Following a structured collaboration period, the project has now reached its evaluation phase, providing valuable insights into how international […]
