YMCA Norfolk has recently taken ownership of the E-learning service to combine their shared vision of transforming young lives.
The E-Learning Service began over 16 years ago to offer an alternative method of delivering education to children out of lessons or main-stream school through the use of technology.
Jason Beattie, YMCA Norfolk Business Development Director, said:
“We invested in the E-Learning Service to grow our menu of services to schools as it complements our existing provision of Mind Matters, a package of mental health support to schools and pupils, and Family Matters, our parenting support service.
“A good education is vital to the life chances of young people and we are really excited to be able to give them the best possible chance of future success.”
The E-learning Service has provided online education to several thousand pupils who have reintegrated back into school or continued with entries for GCSE and other exams with the Service.
While primarily Norfolk based, it already operates in partnership with schools and academies across Suffolk, Kent and Cambridgeshire – and is open to extending provision to education establishments across the UK.
Students of all key-stages can select subjects to study and lessons are individually prepared for them by qualified subject teachers. Lessons are accessed online and can be completed by pupils on any day of the week and at any time of the day; offering much needed flexibility.
A time-tabled one-hour weekly webinar tutorial is available to students in each of their subjects giving them an opportunity to talk to, or IM, their teacher in order to get direct help with any work issues they may be having. In addition, e-teachers can be contacted directly for help via the secure online email.
Work is usually completed by the pupil at home but can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection, including those at school, college, an inclusion unit, education centre or PRU.
Jackie Thompson, E-learning Service Manager said:
“It is exciting to be working within YMCA Norfolk which shares the ethos and vision that the E-Learning Service has worked towards in its 16 years of operation.
“The academic help which the E-Learning Service can give, coupled with the wider care which YMCA Norfolk so excellently provides will, I am certain, result in even better support and outcomes for all of our young people.”
YMCA Norfolk have recently appointed a new manager, who will start in September and initially work alongside Jackie Thompson to oversee the running of the service.