The DfE has recently shared some more information about the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) (England), that may be of interest to special schools, alternative provision, specialist settings and their respective networks.

The NTP is available to all state-maintained schools and provides access to high-quality tutoring (subsidised by 75%)- to support a wide range of pupils who need extra help at the current time, including those with a special educational need and/or disability (SEND).

Schools/SENCOs can search for approved NTP Tuition Partners and enquire directly with providers via the NTP website. Online tutoring can be provided to pupils at home or in school during lockdown, and tutoring can also be booked in for delivery when schools are fully reopened. 

The NTP wants to make sure that the SEND offer, through the NTP has something to work for every student who needs extra support. This can include small-group and/or one-to-one tuition. It can also be subject-specific where appropriate.

Tuition Partners are able to deliver tutoring in state-maintained mainstream and state-maintained specialist settings. Schools/SENCOs can explore which Tuition Partners are able to provide the most appropriate support by searching here.

The NTP is also running an information webinar for all state-maintained schools on Tuesday 2 March at 4pm, where participants can hear directly from Tuition Partner organisations and learn about the subsidy. Sign up here.

Examples of schools' experiences of using the NTP please can be found in the school stories section of the NTP website, which includes a recent story from St Mary's Church of England Primary school, Bridport.

More detailed information about the NTP and the offer to schools can be found on the NTP website here.