Equal Education's partnership with Warwickshire Virtual School

by Georgia Brown

As of September 2022, Equal Education has entered a new partnership with Warwickshire Virtual School; to support children and young people in care by providing 15 hours of 1:1 tuition for all year groups across the academic year. 

We are delighted to support more children and young people across the Warwickshire region (both in and out of borough) as 1:1 tuition with a qualified teacher is a proven intervention where pupils can make up to 5 months progress (Education Endowment Foundation). Unfortunately, the negative impact of the pandemic on learning loss and the widening of the socio-economic gap are evident, however we are pleased to see that the Virtual School is committed to supporting all children and young people in care to achieve their full potential, just like their peers. 

With the Department of Education’s commitment to tuition, through the National Tutoring Programme, the tuition partners route is increasingly being utilised. As an approved NTP tuition provider, we have undergone rigorous quality assurance checks and due diligence, ensuring that our service is of high quality. With the tuition partner route, NTP funding is paid in termly installments, and is solely provided to subsidise tuition costs, for approved NTP providers. We are thrilled that the government continues to recognise the benefit of 1:1 tuition as an intervention and long to see this commitment continue.

This is particularly paramount when supporting children and young people who are care experienced. The 1:1 model not only improves attainment and academic achievement, but provides a safe space and trusted relationship for the young person. Our Programmes team take time and care in ensuring the most suitable tutor is matched with the young person, taking into consideration everything from identified SEND to likes and dislikes. We wanted to share some particular stories of the students we have supported so far, many of whom have continued tuition beyond the initial 15 hour block due to the success of the programmes.

Case studies

Student A

One Year 10 student, who has been looked after since the age of 3 and has a diagnosis of ASD, was referred to us to initially receive English and Maths tuition support. During the first session, our tutor focused on building a connection with the student to ensure they built that strong foundation required for future engagement. Despite some initial caution from the student, there was engagement. Topics were gently explored, and areas to develop were identified including; similarities and differences and the rule of 3 in English and multiplying decimals in Maths.

As sessions progressed, the student engaged throughout. In the third session, his answers in English were noted as outstanding - especially his explanation of "tailored to' which he answered without using a dictionary.  At the halfway point of tuition, the student noted he felt much more confident with decimal questions, which was an initial area of misconception. His scores in English continued to develop and he was receiving outstanding grades of 90% and 100%.

During the final session, the student continued to work well and expressed how much he wanted tuition to continue. Our tutor worked with all parties to ensure this happened, and further sessions were commissioned directly by the school, ensuring tuition continued beyond 15 hours.

Student B

Another student, in Year 11, was referred to us to receive Maths tuition, to develop her confidence with her GCSEs this summer. 

The first session saw excellent engagement, with the student very enthusiastic about receiving Maths tuition, welcoming the opportunity to fine tune skills. Our tutor’s assessment for learning noted that she was not confident in her 6,7,8, and 9 timetables and this will need more work first and foremost before moving on to complex Maths concepts ready for her GCSE examinations. 

As sessions continued, the student was engaged with the work and also completed the homework very well. She improved on her 7 times tables and grew in confidence. Any time the student was unsure, she expressed concern and was not afraid to ask for more assistance. Tuition increasingly focused on more complex topics and those which are likely to be on a GCSE exam paper. Our tutor noted her enthusiasm for Maths has increased since the first session, with a positive attitude to learning.During the penultimate session, it was evident that the student revised for the practice tests in time for that session. She had improved on showing her workings to how she got her answer. Most notably, she had improved on the 9 times tables which she was previously anxious about. 

The final tuition session ran very well. Moving forward, the tutor shared the progress with the school and identified retention and revision areas ahead of her GCSEs.

School and carer feedback

“The (pupil) has engaged well with the tuition and completes the extra work the tutor sets him. He appears to be focused on doing well and hopefully, this will help prepare him for the next set of mocks in February.”

“A highly motivated tutor that sought to support and develop in every way.”

“The (student) is absolutely loving tuition. She has no problems at all getting started and is excited to join the session. The tutor asks her questions, they watch educational videos and the sessions are very engaging.”

“The tuition is at regular set times and we have formed a nice routine. The boys really like the tutor and as do I. He is happy to take time to provide me with detailed feedback which is something I really appreciate. He is a lovely man and has developed a positive relationship with both boys. They don't usually like school but are happy to attend their lessons with the tutor.”

Continuing support…

We look forward to supporting even more children and young people throughout the course of this academic year, providing them with the support they need to improve their confidence in their subjects and ensure they are reaching their full potential.

Read more about the tuition plan on Warwickshire’s website here and stay tuned for more success stories shared via out social media channels;  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.