Straight answers about Nudge Education Online.

At launch in September 2026, Nudge Education Online is an online alternative provision. We are taking steps to complete the voluntary Ofsted accreditation to be recognised by the DfE as an online school. That application can only be made once we are operating — so the pathway is: launch as AP, build the evidence base, then apply.

Alternative provision (AP) is the sector term for education delivered outside a mainstream school, commissioned by a Local Authority or a school for young people who can't currently attend. Nudge Education Online is AP that is delivered online — wrapping a structured curriculum around Nudge Education's practitioner-led model.

Nudge Education Online is a new service from Nudge Education, the UK practitioner-led organisation that works with Local Authorities across the UK. Everything about how we work — the trust, the safeguarding, the relational approach — comes from ten years of practice with young people whose needs aren't being met in mainstream.

No. Nudge Education Online can be funded through Local Authority commissioned placements or via existing frameworks. Some learners will have EHCPs, others won't — we accept both.

Not at launch. The legal arrangement and statutory responsibility for a young person stays with the Local Authority and/or their school. We work closely alongside both. Once we complete the voluntary Ofsted accreditation, we expect that to change.

Learners can join at the start of any half-term, not only at the beginning of the academic year. For commissioned referrals, the process from referral to start is typically around 15–20 working days — covering screening, a referral meeting, a written offer and induction. Direct family applications follow a similar timeline. We move as quickly as we safely can because the young people referred to us are usually out of education — delay makes things worse, not better.

Placements are commissioned by the term or year, with flexibility to extend or transition out. The goal is always the young person's readiness — onward placement conversations start from week one, not at the end.

The Discovery Phase is for learners who aren't yet ready for a full timetable. It's a flexible, relationship-building period where we assess readiness and build trust before formal courses begin. There's no qualification pressure — the focus is on connection, confidence and settling into online learning. Learners move into their full programme when they're ready, not when a calendar says so.

Learners work towards Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs (graded 9–1). At launch, our subject offer includes English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Human Biology and Art & Design, with RSHE delivered as a statutory strand. Functional Skills and ASDAN courses are also available where appropriate. Edexcel's modular assessment route means learners can sit units across multiple exam series rather than facing a single high-stakes sitting. For learners who aren't yet exam-ready, we offer personalised pre-qualification pathways through our Discovery Phase. Full detail is on the curriculum page.

Every learner has a named practitioner who builds the relationship and coordinates their learning. Monday to Thursday, learners follow a structured timetable of four 45-minute live sessions delivered via Google Meet, with scheduled breaks built into the day. Between live sessions, Google Classroom holds materials, assignments and feedback that learners can work through at their own pace. Friday is Cornerstones Day — dedicated to Relational Intelligence, Digital Skills, RSHE, SDG projects and creative work. The balance between live, asynchronous and independent work is adjusted to each learner's needs.

Connection is the starting point, not the add-on. The practitioner relationship is consistent from the first session. Group and peer elements are built in progressively as the young person is ready — we don't force it on day one.

Our named pedagogical framework: Connection, Movement, Creativity, Reflection, Rest, and Nutrition. Not a list of values — a way of designing each session so that wellbeing and learning sit together, not one after the other.

The six Cornerstones — Connection, Movement, Creativity, Reflection, Rest and Nutrition — shape everything from the timetable structure to how lessons are delivered. Live sessions are 45 minutes with scheduled movement and rest breaks between them. The day opens with a Morning Connection anchor and closes with a Reflection anchor. Friday is Cornerstones Day — dedicated to Relational Intelligence, Digital Skills, RSHE, SDG projects and creative work, not a day off. Your child's practitioner will attune to their energy and regulation throughout the day, and Cornerstone check-ins are part of every session.

We teach through Google Classroom for lessons, assignments and feedback, with live sessions on Google Meet. Every learner receives a nudgeeducation.online Google account. Timetables and due dates appear in Google Calendar, and guardian email summaries can be enabled on request.

All lessons run through Google Classroom and Google Calendar. Each class in Google Classroom has a Meet link pinned at the top — click it to join. Lesson times appear in Google Calendar on your school account. Make sure all class calendars are ticked in the left-hand menu. Google Calendar shows when the lesson happens; Google Classroom shows where to join.

Guardian Summaries are automatic emails from Google Classroom giving you a snapshot of your child's learning each week. You'll see completed work, upcoming tasks, missing assignments, and class announcements. They arrive weekly by default (every Friday), but you can choose daily updates instead. We'll send an invite email from Google Classroom — click 'Accept' to start receiving them. Add classroom.google.com to your safe sender list so they don't get lost.

No. Nudge Education Online does not require a uniform. Removing uniform costs reduces financial pressure on families and supports comfort — particularly for neurodivergent learners or those with sensory needs.

We simply ask that learners wear comfortable, appropriate clothing for online sessions and are camera-ready in a safe and respectful way.

Please let us know before 9:00 am on the day of absence by emailing neo@nudgeeducation.online. For planned absences, let your child's practitioner know in advance.

Prompt reporting helps us maintain accurate attendance records, follow safeguarding protocols, and minimise disruption to your child's learning.

Accessibility is built into everything we do. Our virtual classrooms are designed to work for every learner, including those with EHCPs and complex needs:

Live sessions are supported by captions where appropriate. Resources are available in dyslexia-friendly and easy-read formats. The pace, structure and delivery adapt to each learner's needs — that's the practitioner-led model in action. Parent and carer guidance is available in accessible formats on request.

We review our accessibility approach regularly and act on learner and family feedback.

Learners need a laptop, desktop or tablet with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. We deliver all lessons through Google Meet and Google Classroom, which work on most modern browsers. Where a commissioning arrangement includes device provision, we can supply a configured Chromebook. If connectivity is a barrier, speak to us — we can work with commissioners to find a solution.

We track both academic outcomes and personal development. On the academic side, learners work towards Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs where appropriate. On the personal side, we evidence growth in confidence, communication, regulation and independence — because for many of our learners, those gains matter just as much.

Progress is measured against national expectations and, where applicable, individual EHCP goals. Our tracking platform gives commissioners and families real-time visibility, not just a termly snapshot.

Transition planning starts early, not at the end of a placement. Every learner has access to careers education and guidance on their options — whether that's sixth form, college, apprenticeships, or supported pathways.

We work with approved providers to ensure learners hear about every route available to them, with all sessions safeguarded and accessible. Your child's practitioner coordinates this alongside the commissioning LA.

Yes. We can be commissioned directly by Local Authorities or through existing regional frameworks. Nudge Education is already a trusted partner to Local Authorities across the UK, so in most cases there's no new contract shape needed.

Our tracking platform gives commissioners real-time visibility on attendance, engagement and progress. You get a weekly view — not a termly report three months after the fact.

Nudge Education Online operates to KCSIE 2025 with a designated safeguarding lead, clear escalation routes, and consistent session notes logged in our tracking platform. Our full safeguarding and child protection policies are in the policies folder.

Yes. Some commissioners bundle Nudge Education Online places with Nudge Education's existing 1:1 intervention for the same young people. Talk to us about cohort or bundled arrangements.

Pricing varies by placement type and tier. Detail is shared in our commissioner pack and at our open events. Request a pricing brief → to talk through your context.

Tuition covers the full timetable of live lessons, the named practitioner, ongoing pastoral support, attendance and progress reporting, and access to the platform. Examination entry fees are charged separately and not included in tuition.

Fees are invoiced termly in advance. Notice of withdrawal is a full term — once notice is given, the placement runs to the end of the following term.

Local Authorities commissioning five or more places benefit from dedicated account management and consolidated invoicing. Get in touch to discuss multi-placement arrangements.

The Local Authority, usually through a commissioned placement or an existing AP framework. Some placements are part-funded by schools out of their own AP budgets. Parents have occasionally self-funded, though this is rare and needs conversation with us first.

Our full policy set lives in this Google Drive folder. It includes safeguarding and child protection, SEND, behaviour and regulation, online safety and acceptable use, data protection, equal opportunities, health and safety, complaints, and admissions.

Our online safety and acceptable use policy covers platform controls, digital wellbeing, reporting routes and parental oversight. We also produce a Digital Consent and AI Safety Parent Guide for every family at onboarding.