SEND & Neurodiversity
Support

Welcome to MVA, a supportive and inclusive educational environment for SEND and neurodiverse students aged 11 - 18.

Book a SEND Discovery Call

SEND Support at MVA 

At MVA. our dedicated team, including our full-time SENDCO, Wayne, is committed to cultivating an inclusive and nurturing environment that recognises and celebrates the unique talents of all our students. We take pride in our customised educational approach, ensuring that every student is empowered and set up for success.
Learn at your Own Pace

We offer students the time and freedom to tailor their school day around their needs and environment. Need the morning off live lessons? No problem.

Inclusive Community

We're a diverse bunch and proud of it - experience an inclusive and supportive community that celebrates and champions neurodiversity and unique learning styles.

Dedicated Support

Your personal mentor - with experience assisting neurodiverse students - will provide weekly 121 support tailored to your individual learning style, helping you achieve academic success and personal development.

Global Community

Be part of a vibrant global community of students that felt marginalised at their previous schools but now feel welcomed and happy.

Accessible Learning

Extracurricular workshops, regular school trips, after-school clubs and guest lectures, are all optional and will allow you to develop key social skills.

Professional Help
(If Required)

Wayne our full time SENDCO and his team provide additional support for Children with specific needs. You can also boost your learning with bespoke 1-2-1 plans with specialist SEND tutors.

Years 7-8

COMING SOON

Year 9

GCSE

Sixth Form

Universal MVA Offer
Mentor assigned, SEND toolkit, SEND drop-ins, advice via SEND inbox - advice for mentors, staff and families. Ad-hoc meetings, MVA priority.
Tier 1 Initial Intervention
Requires a SEND Referral Form and entry on CPOMS ( A safeguarding and wellbeing solution for schools). More in-depth meetings and support for families or mentors.  Working towards a specific outcome. Allocated in SEND meetings. Not usually chargeable, as short-term and discrete.
Tier 2 Targeted Support
Next level of intervention/support. Involves specific work with students. Small group or 1-2-1. APDR cycle of time-limited intervention. Cycles can be repeated. Only chargeable if requested for a prolonged period.
What is an APDR Cycle?
The APDR cycle is a framework often used in educational and therapeutic settings to guide time-limited interventions for individuals requiring additional support. It stands for:

Assess: Evaluate the individual's current needs, strengths, and challenges. This step often includes observations, discussions with stakeholders (e.g., teachers, parents, or caregivers), and formal assessments to understand the root causes of the issues being addressed.
Plan: Based on the assessment, set clear, achievable goals and design a tailored intervention plan. The plan should outline strategies, timelines, and success criteria to monitor progress. It often involves collaboration between various stakeholders to ensure alignment.
Do: Implement the planned intervention within the specified timeframe. This could include teaching specific skills, providing targeted support, or making environmental adjustments. Regular feedback and adaptations during this phase help maintain alignment with the goals.
Review: Reflect on the outcomes of the intervention at the end of the cycle. Analyse the effectiveness by comparing progress against the initial goals and criteria. This step informs whether to continue, modify, or conclude the intervention based on its impact.
Tier 3 Seeking External Involvement
If targeted support and intervention has not had the desired outcome, the SEND team will discuss external professional involvement with the family and support this process/signpost.
Specialised Programmes
In addition to the above, we currently offer: Lexia Power Up for reading and comprehension support (adaptive online learning platform) - £100/academic year. Working Memory/Executive Functioning/Social-Emotional Programmes - 1-2-1 for 6 weeks, £270 with our SEND Support Lead

FAQs from Parents

What SEND training do the mentors have?
Mentors undergo specialised training to support SEND students effectively, focusing on understanding and addressing diverse needs. Some are trained SENDCos, many are specifically employed due to their extensive experience working with children with SEND. Our SEND team deliver regular training for all staff throughout the year as well - we have training on a variety of topics such as PDA, and have a virtual module on SEND info for all staff on our platform.
My child uses a C-pen, how can you support this?
We have our own assistive text-to-speech and speech-to-text software built into our platforms, so students can use this alongside the C-pen. However, all of our live lesson resources can be printed, so the C-pen can be used to read the presentations/ resources associated with lessons. Furthermore, we run a session on "using assistive technologies" during our induction week to give a clear overview of all support available. Once your child is a student with us, you will also be able to access the assistive technologies toolkit on our Virtual Learning Platform, which will take you through how our technologies work and how you might like to use them day-to-day.
My child does not want to attend live lessons, is this possible?
There is no official requirement that a student must attend the live lessons, however it is encouraged. If the student will not be attending live lessons we request that they attend their 1:1 mentoring sessions, and the school assembly. If your child will not be attending live lessons please notify us.
What is the percentage of students with SEND?
Many of our students joined us because their SEND needs weren't fully supported in their previous school settings. This includes students with a variety of needs, from minor dyslexia to more specific learning challenges. We also have high-achieving students and elite athletes with SEND who chose MVA primarily for our flexible timetabling and flipped learning approach.What makes our community really special is the fact that families are joining us from all walks of life, including those who value flexible learning due to lifestyle choices, like travel or living abroad, as well as high-achievers and elite athletes who are attracted to our personalised approach. This blend of backgrounds and needs creates a dynamic environment where every student can reach their potential.
Does my child have to have their camera on in live lessons?
MVA does have a cameras-on policy, to help create the rapport of a lesson and for safeguarding reasons. However, if your child is particularly anxious about this, we can arrange an exemption that all teaching staff will be aware of. If your child isn't comfortable asking questions on the microphone, they can also make use of the private chat function with the teacher as an alternative option.
Where can I get additional help and advice?
If you need general advice and support about SEND-related issues and queries here is a list of useful organisations to get in touch with:

SENDIASS:
www.kids.org.uk/sendiass-home
IPSEA: www.ipsea.org.uk
Special Needs Jungle: www.specialneedsjungle.com
Sunshine Support: www.sunshine-support.org
Not Fine In School: www.notfineinschool.co.uk/home/f/is-my-child-really-fine-in-school
Art & Design

Compulsory Subjects

All pupils must study English Language, Maths (at either Higher or Foundation level) and one of the Science options below.

Science Options

Full Science - all three subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) studied in full, leading to six examinations and 3 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Double Science - 66% of the content of all three subjects studied, leading to 3 examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Individual Science (minimum two) - one combination of Biology and Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Chemistry and Physics studied in full, leading to four examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Languages

The Year 10 Language courses in French, German and Spanish assume prior learning. If a pupil wishes to take up a new language in Year 10, they will need to have one-to-one tutoring in the six months prior to develop a basic level of competency. Please discuss with a member of the Senior Team if your child is considering this.

How to choose your subjects!

Pupils should make their subject choices with the guidance and support of parents, their mentor and teachers. If they have ideas of possible careers/fields of work, University courses or A-levels they want to aim for, these should be discussed and taken into account. If - as many don’t - they don’t yet have any ideas about that, they should aim to keep a broad variety of subject types in order to develop a range of different skills and, ultimately, should choose subjects that they enjoy and have an interest in.

Biology

Compulsory Subjects

All pupils must study English Language, Maths (at either Higher or Foundation level) and one of the Science options below.

Science Options

Full Science - all three subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) studied in full, leading to six examinations and 3 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Double Science - 66% of the content of all three subjects studied, leading to 3 examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Individual Science (minimum two) - one combination of Biology and Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Chemistry and Physics studied in full, leading to four examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Languages

The Year 10 Language courses in French, German and Spanish assume prior learning. If a pupil wishes to take up a new language in Year 10, they will need to have one-to-one tutoring in the six months prior to develop a basic level of competency. Please discuss with a member of the Senior Team if your child is considering this.

How to choose your subjects!

Pupils should make their subject choices with the guidance and support of parents, their mentor and teachers. If they have ideas of possible careers/fields of work, University courses or A-levels they want to aim for, these should be discussed and taken into account. If - as many don’t - they don’t yet have any ideas about that, they should aim to keep a broad variety of subject types in order to develop a range of different skills and, ultimately, should choose subjects that they enjoy and have an interest in.

LA Funding Information

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you can request that your Local Authority (LA) funds MVA fees directly.

The steps to request funding from your LA are as follows:


Contact your LA case worker/SEND team to let them know you wish to request funding for MVA, and ask them to send the EHCP as part of a consultation to MVA (email to ehcp@minervavirtual.com).
We will respond to the LA’s consultation to determine if and how we can implement the provisions outlined in the EHCP to meet the child/young person’s individual needs. We have a 15-day deadline to respond. If we can meet the needs stated in the EHCP, the LA will then decide if they agree to fund MVA’s fees. Usually, this will be funded through an EOTAS (Educated Other Than At School) package.

Due to the supportive and flexible nature of MVA's learning programmes, we can meet most needs outlined on an EHCP.

However, there are some common provisions that we are unfortunately not able to put in place; for example:

  • As our academy is based online, students who attend have a lot more autonomy over their learning. As such the ability to control their environment and workload whilst working in a safe space can drastically improve their ability to access learning again. However, along with this autonomy, students are also required to take more responsibility for their own learning. If this is difficult, then they may require additional adult support at home.
  • We are not able to provide daily check-ins with a key member of staff (students meet with their 1:1 mentor on a weekly basis).
  • The students and their families are responsible for the physical learning environment; for example, physical equipment and resources, and multi-sensory input.
  • Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) provision will need to be sourced locally by the LA, and provided for the student at home or at an alternative setting by specialist staff.

EHCP Information


Steps to Request Funding Through Your Current School:

Contact your current school - let them know you wish to request funding for MVA as an Alternative Provider, while your child/young person remains on roll with the school- this will be a dual enrolment arrangement if the school agrees. (You can also contact your LA case worker/SEND team at this point to ensure they are aware of your preference; alternatively, the school will do this for you).If the school agrees to dual enrolment, MVA can then respond to the EHCP as above to determine whether we can meet the outlined needs.

If we can meet the needs stated in the EHCP, arrangements can then be made for dual enrolment. MVA will need written confirmation from the school to confirm they agree. Funding will then be allocated to MVA as per the individual arrangement with the school and LA; e.g.  The school receives the EHCP funding and transfers it to MVA, or the LA pays MVA directly.


Steps to Request Funding through your Current School:

Speak to the Current School - If your child has a history of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), or a specific SEND issue that prevents them from attending a mainstream state school - there might be a route for the school to fund MVA as an Alternative Provision.

Steps to Request Funding from Your Local Authority:

Speak to your LA - If your child has low attendance or is not currently attending school due to a history of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) or a specific SEND issue, long-term illness, etc., that prevents them from attending a mainstream state school. This might be a route for them to fund MVA as an Alternative Provision under Section 19 of the Education Act (1996).

Specialised Programmes
In addition to the above, we currently offer: Lexia Power Up for reading and comprehension support (adaptive online learning platform) - £100/academic year.Working Memory/Executive Functioning/Social-Emotional Programmes - 1:1 for 6 weeks, £270 with our SEND Support Lead

How do I enrol?

Head to Admissions - our Enrolment Form should take no more than 20 minutes to complete!

Truly wonderful

I would like to express my thanks for the consideration given to A's needs and the support put in place for the school trip on Fri 21st Oct. The fact that A could head off onto the trip feeling confident in the support and care of the adults responsible for them is truly wonderful.

How does MVA help SEND pupils?

We're reimagining school so neurodiverse children can thrive. With a greater emphasis on self-study supported by SEND personal mentors, students can manage their day in a way that suits them best.

What is the MVA curriculum?

You'll be immersed in the comprehensive British International curriculum, studying the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3, iGCSEs, and international A Levels. In addition, we also run a BTEC in esports for Sixth Form students.

How many lessons per day?

On top of the self-study on our Virtual Learning Platform, you'll dive into two to three Live Lessons with our brilliant subject teachers each day. You're not just learning - you're engaging, asking questions, and delving deep into your subjects!

Can I re-watch Live Lessons?

Missed a lesson? No worries at all. All our Live Lessons are recorded, so you can catch up or review anytime you like. Now, how's that for flexibility!

What are the students at MVA like?

They are an eclectic thriving community of students from over 50 countries, each bringing their unique flair to our vibrant community. From the neurodiverse to the champion athletes, the globe-trotters to the gifted academics. Or just the children who want to be happy after years of bullying and mental turmoil at their previous school.

How do I join?

It's super simple to switch from traditional school to MVA. Head over to the Admissions section of our website - we can't wait to welcome your child!

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Wed 11th December - 12:30pm GMT

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