DG Connect: Interrupted Learners Learner’s Pilot

Rationale
Attendance data highlights a significant issue with increasing numbers
of children and young people not attending school or being absent for
extended periods of time. For many this is due to health and/or anxiety
about attending traditional school settings.

Aims
The pilot aims to:
▪ Meet the needs of young people who currently have significant
attendance issues to experience learning and reengage with
education.
▪ Provide evidence to establish a proof of concept.
Proposal for initial pilot
We plan to pilot a programme of live, online interactive teaching for a
limited period between June and October 2026 – dates TBC).

BGE
For learners currently in S2 moving into S3 in June 2026 there would be
an opportunity to join:
▪ Initial masterclass targeting confidence in using digital technologies
ensuring participants are equipped to access online learning.
▪ 2 timetabled sessions a week targeting numeracy skills (for 8 weeks).
▪ 2 timetabled sessions a week targeting literacy skills (for 8 weeks).

Senior Phase:
For learners currently in S3 moving into S4 in June 2026 who are at risk of
leaving schools with no qualifications, there would be an opportunity to join:
▪ Initial masterclass targeting confidence in using digital technologies
ensuring participants are equipped to access online learning.
▪ 3 timetabled sessions a week targeting requirements for L4 literacy unit (for
10 weeks).

Timescales
17 April – closing date for applications from schools
20 April – places agreed and confirmed with schools
11 May – information meeting (on Teams) for schools participating in
pilot
1 June – pilot begins
Pilot information
▪ Max class size 10.
▪ Each session will be 30 minutes live teaching with additional tasks
available.
▪ Limited pilot, no more than 2 applications per school.
▪ It is the responsibility of the school to determine suitability: learners should
be willing and able to engage in online sessions, and parents and carers
must agree.
▪ Base school will be responsible for providing a suitable device for the
learner, and internet access where required.
▪ Base school remains responsible for pastoral care and there is an
expectation that they maintain regular contact with the learner throughout
the pilot.
▪ Communication with parents and carers remains the responsibility of the
base school.
If you have learners in your school who you think will be suitable for the pilot,
please complete this online application form by 17 April 2026 https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=oyzTzM4Wj0KVQTctawUZKb36cRLjrwxItabqnOjXGz1UNFc4T1hPNUQ3M0EwUjZIRDlKVTRPRUdGNS4u&route=shorturl