Salutem

Salutem Care and Education is launching Chiron OEP (Online Education Provider), an online ‘school’ aimed at re-integrating youngsters struggling with mainstream education.

Chiron OEP represents a significant leap forward in delivering high-quality education to students with complex needs, ensuring they have equal access to educational opportunities.

With the aim to provide the best quality education to those who need it the most, Salutem Care and Education is leveraging the virtual space to break down barriers and empower young people.

Many young individuals face challenges in mainstream schools due to learning difficulties, Autism, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) issues. Chiron OEP aims to reintegrate these students into the learning routine, offering small classes with bespoke curricula that encompass vital subjects such as Maths, English, and creative arts. The ultimate goal is to support their successful transition back into mainstream education, fostering their growth and development.

Each student will be provided with a Chiron OEP iPad, stylus and scientific calculator to allow them to access lessons. The iPads are managed by the project’s partners at Jigsaw education and are pre-loaded with all the necessary apps to ensure that students can participate in their programmes. Jigsaw has worked closely with Apple to get the project approved as an official education provider, including taking the project as a case study to the Apple central team in California.

Chiron OEP is using apps such as Showbie to deliver and monitor work as well as give feedback in a variety of ways. Teachers can leave audio notes on work as well as marking using the iPad in exactly the same way as they would a physical exercise book. Students can also use the camera on the iPad to upload handwritten work as a PDF if they prefer.

Security software enables teachers to ensure that students are using their equipment safely and effectively. It allows the teacher to restrict access to certain apps during lessons so that students can focus on their work and monitors and filters online activity, providing the teachers with reports where a student’s online behaviour could indicate a safeguarding concern.

The pandemic has had a profound impact on children's mental well-being. The extended period of isolation and disruption to their regular routines has led to social anxiety among many students. Shocking statistics from the Department of Education reveal that in Autumn 2022, 125,222 pupils were absent from the classroom more often than not, compared to 60,244 in Autumn 2019. Alarmingly, 140,000 children were never present in class.

Figures from the Children’s Commissioner show that looked after children are over-represented among those missing from school: 2.7% of looked after children are not in school. The same research reveals that unaccompanied children seeking asylum, male children, older children, children with special educational needs, and children without stable care placements were disproportionately more likely to not be in school.

Recognising the urgent need to address these challenges, Salutem Care and Education has collaborated with local authorities to provide a solution. Pupils referred to Chiron OEP will be equipped with an iPad, enabling them to access high-quality teaching remotely. This innovative approach ensures that students can learn in a comfortable environment while gradually rebuilding their confidence. By engaging in virtual classrooms, they will gain valuable experience in interacting with their peers, answering questions in class, and reintegrating into society as a whole.

Commenting on the launch, Ayesha Allen, Virtual School Head at Salutem Care and Education, expressed her support: "Salutem Care and Education's launch of Chiron OEP is a transformative step towards inclusive education for all. By harnessing the power of online platforms, we can empower students with complex needs and create an environment that fosters their growth and success. We are excited about the possibilities this initiative presents and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on the lives of these young individuals.

“By collaborating and investing in the future of young people with complex needs, we can work together to bridge the educational gap and empower these students to reach their full potential.”

ENDS

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For further information contact Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Editor’s Notes:

Salutem Care and Education is a national provider of care, support and education to individuals with complex needs, including those with a learning disability, autism, mental ill health and physical disabilities. Salutem Care and Education includes Modus Care Group, Pathways Care Group, Clearwater Care Group and the former Scope regulated services.