TCES National Online School – whose pupils have special educational needs, with many at risk of becoming ‘ghost children’ through missing out on school entirely – has been named the first online special school to be accredited under the Department for Education’s new Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS).
TCES CEO Thomas Keaney and NOS Head of School Kirsten Roy. Photo by Chris Pascoe
Risks of unregulation
The clampdown scheme was launched in response to growing concern about the quality and safety of an unregulated and rapidly growing online education sector. In a blog post explaining the scheme, National Director of Education, Christopher Russell, has identified the risks as:
‘Anyone – qualified or not – could cobble together an unsafe platform, plan a few lessons, and start to charge fees to unsuspecting parents. That’s bad for children, bad for their parents, and it’s also unfair for the good online providers that are proud of their work and welcome independent oversight.’
TCES National Online School pupil Makkers. Photo by Chris Pascoe
Rigorous inspection
A two-day inspection, during which inspectors spoke to children, parents and the Local Authorities who fund TCES National Online School places, concluded that the school had met all OEAS quality standards:
“Led by the proprietor, leaders and staff are driven by a strong moral purpose to improve children’s academic and pastoral outcomes. They expertly intertwine education and therapy, working tirelessly to identify, reduce, and often, eliminate the barriers to learning children have faced.
“In line with TCES’ other schools and services, TCES National Online School provides for pupils’ holistic development through a five-part curriculum: academic and vocational, enrichment, engagement, therapeutic and pupil leadership. The curriculum is designed to meet pupils’ educational, therapeutic and SEMH needs and is mapped against the targets in pupils’ EHC plans. When joining the provider, pupils are enrolled as full-time learners, with timetables specific to their needs. As they develop trust in their tutors and build in confidence, pupils access an increasing range of learning opportunities.”
TCES National Online School pupil Makkers and dad Simon. Photo by Chris Pascoe
First-of-its-kind quality mark
Welcoming the first-of-its-kind quality mark, TCES Founder and CEO Thomas Keaney says:
“Being the first online special school to achieve the Department for Education’s quality mark is a huge achievement for my team. It proves that we’re doing what we set out to; provide a first-class, well-rounded education for children with special needs, anxiety and other challenges that make it impossible for them to attend school in person.
“Just as importantly the quality mark provides vital reassurance for families and Local Authorities. Now they can look for an online provider with the OEAS quality mark and know that we meet the standards demanded by the Department for Education.”
TCES National Online School pupil Daniel. Photo by Chris Pascoe
Safe environment
10-year-old Daniel has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has been studying with TCES National Online School since May 2023. Before joining TCES, Daniel’s attendance at his mainstream primary school had fallen to around 50% and getting him into school had become increasingly difficult for his mum, Louise, who says:
“I used to dread waking up in the morning to get Daniel into school. Sometimes I couldn’t get him there until midday or 1 pm. I felt like I was failing as a mum because he was suffering so much. I want him to have an education, but not at the expense of his mental health.
“Daniel could certainly have become one of the so-called ‘ghost children’ without TCES National Online School. His school said they couldn’t meet his needs, I would have had to take him out and maybe try home-schooling, but I don’t have any training in that area. Everything could have become very, very difficult for us both.
“Since he’s been with TCES, I’ve seen Daniel thrive and be independent. He’s excited rather than stressed. He’s calmer, happier, he knows he’s in a safe environment and doesn’t feel threatened.”
TCES National Online school pupil Daniel and mum Louise. Photo by Chris Pascoe
TCES CEO Thomas Keaney adds:
“Most TCES National Online School pupils have Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) owing to their medical diagnoses, special needs, or mental health challenges.
“With more than 36% of children with EHCPs persistently absent, and more than 3,000 reportedly waiting for a special school place, it’s high time we stopped thinking of attendance in a physical school as the only solution.”
Further information
To read the OEAS inspection report in full, attend a virtual open day or book a 1:1 call with a member of the TCES National Online School, please head to our website: https://www.tcesnationalonlineschool.org.uk/
