new students
Joining our National Online School community is a smooth and supportive experience. From the initial referral, we can onboard and welcome a new student within just one week. Our dedicated team ensures every student receives a personalised introduction, helping them feel comfortable, confident and ready to learn. With tailored support and a seamless transition, we set our students up for success from day one.
Ready to start your journey with us?
our induction process
Once you, your Local Authority or school have completed the referral process its then time to induct our new students. Here are the steps to your induction.
Introductory meeting with our dedicated induction and pastoral team within our National Online School.
A TCES Chromebook and welcome pack to be delivered to the home address, giving you the resources to securely access your lessons.
Review your digital welcome pack. This includes videos from the team, so you quickly know who is who. Also go through your first week timetable so you know what to expect.
Meet your Pastoral Tutor for an online 1:1 session. This is the beginning of your first week of schooling.
Now it’s time to meet your peer group, joining in on our lessons with small class sizes.
support and resources
We are always here to support you at every step of your National Online School journey.
Academic and Wellbeing Support: Please reach out to your teachers during office hours or via email for support. Your mental and emotional wellbeing is important to us. Feel free to contact your teacher or your form tutor who will help you manage stress, stay motivated and balance school with other aspects of your life.
Technical Support: If you have any technical issues please reach out to your teacher who will liaise with our IT team to fix the issue.
what to expect
FAQ'S
How can I refer my child to NOS?
Referrals are usually made by the party funding the placement, most often the Local Authority SEN Team. The majority of our placements are students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
If your child has an EHCP, we recommend contacting your EHCP coordinator or caseworker to request they send a referral to NOS at NOSreferrals@tces.org.uk.
We are happy to discuss the referral process in more detail. Please feel free to contact us to book a call with a member of our team. If you would like to explore private funded referral options, please email us, and we can arrange a conversation.
Does my child have to have their camera on during lessons?
No, your child does not have to have their camera on during lessons. We understand that some students may feel more comfortable learning without being on camera, and we respect their privacy. There is also a chat function available during lessons if your child prefers to communicate that way. We meet your child where they are comfortable, from here we can build on to the next step thats right for them.
Can my child join at any time?
Yes, a young person can start at NOS at any time. Once confirmation of funding is received by our referrals team, the young person starts within 5 working days.
How many students are in each class?
There are approximately 6-8 pupils in each class. This small class size ensures that each student receives focused attention and tailored support to meet their individual learning needs.
Are all lessons live online?
Yes, all lessons are live online and recorded for safeguarding purposes. This also allows pupils who may have medical appointments or other commitments to catch up on lessons at a time that suits them, helping to reduce stress and keep up with their learning.
How do we keep students engaged in lessons?
We keep students engaged through a tailored and therapeutic approach. Our lessons are designed to be interactive, using multimedia resources, polls, breakout rooms, and a live chat function to encourage participation in ways that suit each learner’s needs. Class sizes are kept small (6–8 pupils) to ensure individual attention, and students are supported by teachers who are experienced in working with neurodiverse learners. Our Therapeutic Education model includes input from therapists and key adults, who work alongside teaching staff to help students regulate, feel safe, and stay focused. We also build strong, trusting relationships with students and their families, which supports consistent engagement and re-establishes young people’s confidence in education.
Can I speak to someone about the school?
Yes, absolutely! We would be happy to speak with you about the school. Please email NOSreferrals@tces.org.uk, and a member of our team will get back to you to arrange a call at a time that works for you.
