Save this for later with your free account

Meet AV1: Helping children stay connected to learning

 

When a pupil is struggling to attend school due to emotional or mental health challenges, it can be difficult for them to stay connected with their education and friends. Wirral are pleased to own AV1 robots that schools can use to support pupils with staying in touch with their friends and lessons.

What is AV1?

AV1 is a small, friendly-looking robot designed to help pupils who can’t attend school or a lesson in person. It sits in the classroom in place of the pupil and acts as their eyes, ears, and voice. The pupil controls AV1 remotely using a secure app on a tablet or smartphone, allowing them to:

• See and hear what’s happening in class
• Speak to their teacher and classmates
• Join in with lessons and group activities
• Stay socially connected with friends

AV1 is lightweight, portable, and designed to be discreet so that pupils can participate without feeling overwhelmed.

How Does AV1 Work?

1. The robot is placed in the classroom where the pupil would normally sit.
2. The pupil connects to AV1 from home (or another safe space in school) using a secure app.
3. The AV1 streams live video and audio from the classroom to the pupil.
4. The pupil can speak through AV1, raise their hand virtually, show different expressions and even turn the robot’s head to look around the room.

AV1 helps pupils feel like they’re still part of the school community, even when they can’t be there physically. The AV1 can also be used in a wide range of locations including the playground, dining room or after-school clubs to help pupils keep in touch with their friends.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

For pupils experiencing anxiety or other emotional barriers to school attendance, the AV1 offers a gentle way to re-engage with learning. It allows them to:

• Reconnect with their teacher and classmates at their own pace
• Reduce feelings of isolation
• Build confidence before returning to school in person

What do Wirral schools and families say?

The AV1 has already been used in a range of different Wirral schools, with extremely positive feedback being received, including:

“The student has been able to be present ‘in lessons’ far more than previously. Prior to use of the AV1, the pupil had not attended any lessons with their class, but they are now engaging in learning regularly.”  Wirral Primary School.

“As a school we were very stuck. The AV1 was the catalyst for change. The student has made progress that seemed unobtainable 6 months ago. We are so pleased we tried using the AV1 & we hope to use them with many other students in the future, ideally as early intervention for EBSA (Emotional Barriers to School Attendance).” Wirral Secondary School.

“Before the AV1 I felt completely overwhelmed by all the unknowns in the lessons. The AV1 let me see what was actually happening and built my confidence that I could go in the classroom. I knew what the classroom looked like and how the lessons would go so actually going into the room was less scary.”  Wirral Young Person

“My child is much happier. They go to school without a struggle. Lots of little steps forward have made a big different but using the AV1 was the start of this change. My child now has more confidence in life in generally. They are happier to go places and they worry less”. Wirral Parent/Carer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AV1 safe and secure?
Yes. AV1 uses encrypted, GDPR-compliant technology. Only the pupil can access the video feed via the app. AV1 does not record or store any data.

Is there an age limit for using the AV1?

The Av1 can been used for infant-aged pupils and pupils up to the age of 18 who attend a Wirral school.

Can AV1 be used at home or in school?
Absolutely. AV1 is designed to work wherever the pupil feels safe—whether that’s at home or in school with a trusted adult e.g., learning mentor.

What if the pupil doesn’t want to be seen or heard?
The pupil can choose to listen in without being seen or heard by selecting the mute option, giving them full control over their level of interaction.

What do teaching unions say about AV1?
The National Education Union believes that technology like AV1 can be helpful, but it’s important that schools use it thoughtfully. They recommend that schools talk openly with parents, pupils, and staff before introducing this kind of technology. Everyone should understand how it works, and if a pupil or staff member doesn’t want to be seen or heard through the robot, they should have the option to opt out. It’s all about making sure everyone feels comfortable and respected (Av1 Robots | National Education Union).

Does AV1 replace in-person support or education?
No. The AV1 is a supportive tool, not a replacement for in-person teaching or pastoral care. It is an intervention tool that forms part of a wider plan to help pupils re-engage with school life. When supporting pupils who experience EBSA, it is intended to be used as a short-term intervention tool.

How to Access AV1 in Wirral

All AV1 applications are completed through Wirral schools. It is at the school’s discretion whether they use an AV1 within their setting.

If your child’s school feel that an AV1 might be helpful for your child, and you agree with this:

1. You will be asked to sign a consent form to ensure that you are fully informed and understand how the AV1 works.
2. Your child’s school will then submit an AV1 application to Wirral’s Access to Education Panel.
3. If approved by the panel, your school will be allocated an AV1 robot. Your child’s school will then contact you to arrange a meeting to consider how the AV1 will be used for your child.

If you feel that your child would benefit from using an AV1, please discuss this with your child’s school.

If you want to learn more about how the AV1s work, you can find out more information via the company’s website- AV1 by No Isolation | Reduce school absence with AV1 telepresence robots