Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Learning

Choosing the right education provision for a young person is rarely a simple decision. Whether you are a school leader exploring alternative provision, a commissioner seeking accountability and quality, or a parent looking for stability and hope, you deserve clear answers and honest guidance.

At Apricot Learning, we believe education should feel safe, purposeful, and personal. Our live, trauma informed online lessons are designed to reconnect young people with learning in a way that builds confidence as well as qualifications. Below, you will find detailed answers to the questions we are most often asked, covering everything from safeguarding and curriculum to home education and practical arrangements.

‍

Basic Information

‍Free Taster Sessions

The best way to find out if Apricot is the right provision for your students is to try a free Taster Session. Taster sessions are offered every Wednesday and give students and professionals the opportunity to experience a live online lesson, meet our teachers, and see how our platform works in practice. To sign up, ring us on 01242 604985 and we will arrange everything for you.

‍

How do I get started?

The quickest way to get started is to ring us on 01242 604985. We will talk you through the process and schedule a short student induction. You can also download a referral form and send it to info@apricotlearningonline.co.uk. We cannot wait to start this adventure with you and support your young person back into learning.

‍

What is a trauma-informed AEP?

We understand that trauma exposure can impact an individual’s neurological, biological, psychological, and social development. Our staff are ACEs and SEND trained, which means they are highly aware of how trauma can affect both mental and physical health. This is why we say that we teach the whole child, not just the subject.

The support we provide around learning behaviours and twenty first century skills is demonstrated in the relationships we build and reflected clearly in our reporting. Progress is measured not only in grades but in confidence, resilience, and renewed engagement.

‍

What about safeguarding?

The Department for Education is currently creating a compliance framework for online education provisions. Apricot was invited to consultation meetings with the DfE and participated in their pilot inspection. We have also been quality assured by numerous local authorities and councils as part of their vetting processes for Approved Provider Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems.

As an alternative education provider, Apricot is not subject to direct Ofsted inspection. However, we recognise that our clients are. We therefore seek to uphold Ofsted expectations on their behalf. Taking a best fit approach, we observe Ofsted’s Section 5 inspection criteria alongside the statutory guidance for alternative provision issued to local authorities by the DfE. We do all we can to justify your decision to work with us and are happy to participate in your Ofsted inspection on request.

‍

Are you DfE registered or quality assured?

The DfE is currently developing a compliance framework for online education provisions. Apricot was invited to consultation meetings and has taken part in their pilot inspection. We have been quality assured by multiple local authorities and councils during their approval processes.

Although we are not directly inspected by Ofsted, we align our practice with Ofsted Section 5 inspection criteria and DfE statutory guidance for alternative provision. We aim to exceed expectations and provide the evidence you need to demonstrate quality and accountability.

‍

What Key Stages and ages do you teach?

We teach Key Stage 2, specifically Years 5 and 6, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5, covering ages eight and above. Teaching is not restricted by chronological age. We assess and teach to a student’s current level, supporting them carefully and consistently to progress towards age related expectations.

‍

What subjects do you teach?

We teach all core subjects along with a wide range of additional options. Our full subject offer is available on our website and includes qualifications at GCSE, A Level, Functional Skills, and selected BTEC courses.

‍

What curriculum do you follow? Are groups set by level? How are children assessed?

We follow the English National Curriculum across all key stages and offer full GCSE and A Level courses, as well as Functional Skills and some BTEC options. Groups are generally organised by year group or key stage, although flexibility is built in where required. Differentiation within our small groups ensures each learner receives tailored opportunities.

Baseline assessments take place discreetly within the first two weeks of lessons. This enables teachers to prepare resources and plan at an appropriate level and pace. Termly assessments and mock examination questions at Key Stage 4 and 5 help to gauge expected progress.

‍

Do you offer interventions?

Yes, we provide targeted interventions for marginal students and those with gaps in their learning. Further details are available on our website.

‍

Who are your teachers?

All Apricot teachers hold Qualified Teacher Status and bring years of experience from traditional classroom settings. The diversity of character, expertise, and teaching styles within our team allows us to match teachers thoughtfully with students, creating positive relationships that support meaningful progress.

‍

Do you set homework? How much? How is it submitted?

We set weekly homework through our learning platform. Students upload their work securely by responding directly to assignments within the system, making submission straightforward and organised.

‍

What reporting do you offer?

Live Report Cards are accessible through our student information system and include attendance, progress tracking, academic attainment through grades and individual assessment objectives, twenty first century skills, learning behaviours, and termly Individual Learning Plans with teacher comments.

Our reports are detailed and designed to tell the full story of progress. A sample report is available to download from our website.

‍

What about exams?

Apricot is not an exam centre. Until final advice is provided by the government, schools retain their own requirements for grading and evidence. This may include letters from teachers, proof of Qualified Teacher Status, course codes, samples of student work and grades, and formal assessments as defined by the school.

Whatever the requirements, Apricot has consistently satisfied schools with the evidence they need and will continue to do so.

‍

What are schools, parents, and students saying about Apricot?

We are proud of the feedback we receive. School, parent, and student comments can all be found on our website, offering insight into the impact of our work.

‍

How It Works

How many students per group?

We teach a maximum of twelve students per group, although most groups contain between five and ten learners to ensure meaningful interaction and personalised support.

‍

Is there a minimum commitment?

Yes, the minimum commitment is one full term. Students can begin at any point during the school year and we will calculate the commitment based on the number of remaining weeks in that term.

‍

What is your notification period?

Once the minimum provision threshold has been met, our notification period is forty eight hours. Notification must be made in writing, and email is acceptable.

‍

Are lessons timetabled?

Yes, lessons are timetabled. Each group or one to one student meets their teachers regularly each week in our online classrooms, providing consistency and structure.

‍

Where do lessons take place?

Our provision can be accessed anywhere there is a computer or laptop with a reliable broadband connection. Students can log in from any safe and appropriate environment.

‍

What equipment and resources are required?

Students need a computer, a headset, and internet access. A printer is not required, as all learning resources are provided online.

‍

What is your pricing?

We offer a range of pricing options depending on needs. Please contact us on 01242 604985 to discuss your requirements.

‍

Do you charge a setup fee?

No, Apricot does not charge any setup fees.

‍

Should I book group or one to one lessons?

Many of our students have experienced isolation. For this reason, we often encourage enrolment in a group programme to promote peer interaction and shared learning. Students can join nationwide groups or you can create groups exclusively for your referred students. One to one provision is available for those unable to access group learning.

‍

What if a student leaves a group or returns to school?

Groups are purchased by seat. Once a student is booked onto a group programme, that seat can be transferred to another student, offering a flexible roll on and roll off service.

‍

What is flexi schooling?

Flexi schooling allows students to be taught at home part time while spending some time in school. This approach can balance educational continuity with social wellbeing.

‍

Additional Information for Parents

What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling is the process of educating children at home rather than in a traditional school or college setting. Parents assume full responsibility for their child’s education.

‍

Do I need permission to home educate?

In England and Wales, you do not need permission. You simply write to your child’s head teacher to withdraw them from the register, and the school will inform the local authority. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, permission is required, although it cannot be unreasonably withheld.

‍

Who do I need to tell and how do I withdraw my child?

If your child is already at school, you must write to the head teacher requesting removal from the register. The school must accept this if you are withdrawing your child completely. If you wish to flexi school, the head teacher can refuse.

If your child has been offered a place but has not yet started, you must formally remove their name from the register, usually via the local authority. If you have not applied for a school place, no action is required.

There is no obligation to contact the local authority directly, although they may contact you to discuss your plans.

‍

What if my child has special educational needs?

If your child attends a special school, you will need permission from the local council to remove their name. This cannot be unreasonably denied. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan, you must inform the local authority if you intend to home educate.

‍

At what age must children be educated?

Children must receive education from the school term after their fifth birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year in which they turn eighteen.

‍

What if I am divorced?

Either parent can home educate if their name appears on the birth certificate. This decision can be challenged in court.

‍

How many hours should I teach my child?

Education must be full time, although the law does not specify hours. In schools, children typically receive between twenty two and twenty five hours per week across thirty eight weeks, but home education does not need to follow a school timetable.

‍

What does the law require me to teach?

You do not have to follow the National Curriculum. The Education Act requires an efficient and suitable full time education that equips a child for life within their community. How this is delivered is your choice.

‍

Do I need to provide evidence of progress?

Local authorities may request information about your provision. Although not a legal requirement, home education groups advise cooperation. This may include written reports, samples of work, or meetings. You are entitled to reasonable time to prepare this information.

‍

Do I need approval before starting?

No. Any parent has the right to home educate, regardless of qualifications.

‍

Will I be inspected or monitored?

Not by law, unless there are concerns about suitability or welfare. In practice, many local authorities make annual contact, but meetings are not compulsory.

‍

What about exams?

If your child remains on a school roll, the school should register them for exams. If not, you will need to register privately through your local authority or council. Registration deadlines are typically in January for summer exams.

‍

Can I receive financial support?

In most cases, no. In Scotland, Education Maintenance Allowance may still apply after age sixteen. Otherwise, parents assume financial responsibility, including exam fees, although some local practical support may be available.

‍

Closing Thoughts

Education should never feel out of reach. Whether you are commissioning provision, supporting a vulnerable learner, or stepping into home education for the first time, the journey can feel complex. Our role at Apricot Learning is to bring clarity, care, and consistency back into that journey.

If you would like to explore how we can support your young person, join a free Taster Session, or simply talk things through, we would be glad to listen. Every meaningful change in education begins with a conversation, and we are ready when you are.