Issue 1 - October 2026
Welcome to your
partner newsletter
Vanessa Leach,
Managing Director, Tute
A message to you, from our MD
The end of the academic year
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026/27. I hope the new academic year is going well for you and your teams.
As we settle into the term, I’d like to thank you for your continued trust in Tute. I’m proud of what we achieved together last year, and the stories in this newsletter show the difference that partnership makes to children and young people, from rebuilding confidence in learning to gaining qualifications and taking their next step.
This year, we’re continuing to develop the experience students have with Tute. The Orbit and our new Primary Hub will create more opportunities for students to connect, explore, and feel part of our community, while our research with the University of Chester is helping us understand how to strengthen belonging online.
We’re also contributing to national discussions about the future of education outside school, bringing the experience of our students, staff, and partners into that conversation.
Thank you for your continued partnership. I look forward to building on this work together throughout the year.
Vanessa
Managing Director
Tute’s impact in 2025/26
The difference we made together
Behind every figure is an individual student. Throughout 2025/26, our provision supported children and young people with a wide range of needs and circumstances, providing the consistency, connection and opportunity they need to engage and make progress.
The scale of that support matters, but so does the difference it makes. Behind these figures are thousands of individual journeys, made possible through the commitment of our team and close collaboration with more than 500 partners. Together, we are helping children and young people access education, achieve their potential and take positive steps towards their futures.
What's ahead in 2026/27
A look at the year ahead
From new opportunities for students and developments in our provision to national recognition of our work, 2026/27 is already bringing plenty to celebrate and look forward to. Here are three highlights from the year ahead.
A new space for our young learners
A dedicated space for our younger learners, with engaging, age-appropriate content designed to build confidence, spark curiosity and encourage a love of learning beyond their lessons.
Shortlisted for Alternative Provision of the Year
We’re delighted to be shortlisted for Alternative Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards 2026, recognising Tute’s work supporting children and young people with SEND.
16 October
Learning beyond
lessons
The Orbit gives students access to enrichment opportunities beyond their timetabled lessons, with themed clubs designed to help them explore interests, try something different and connect with others.
From our partners
Partnerships in action
From maintaining continuity in education to supporting young people towards their next steps, our partnerships make a difference in different ways. These examples show how flexible provision can respond to individual circumstances, build confidence and engagement, and create opportunities for young people to move forward.
Norfolk County Council Medical Needs Service
Supporting continuity
through medical needs provision
Since 2021, Tute has worked with Norfolk County Council’s Medical Needs Service to provide flexible online education for children and young people who are unable to attend school because of physical or mental health needs. For one student, starting with the chat function gave him a manageable way to participate before gradually becoming more comfortable engaging with his teachers.
“The online learning really helped him, not just from an educational perspective, but also with gaining confidence. When he got used to it, he was happy to engage with the teachers using the chat function.”
Parent of a student supported through the service.
Youth Guarantee Trailblazer
Helping young people take their next step
Working with a local authority partner through a Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, Tute provided flexible English, maths and employability learning for young people who were not in, or were at risk of leaving, education, employment or training. Remote invigilation also enabled learners to sit exams at home or in a suitable venue, helping remove barriers and support progression towards their next steps.
Positive connections in safe spaces
Understanding what helps students feel known,
safe and supported online
During 2025/26, Tute worked with the University of Chester to explore how positive relationships are experienced within online alternative provision. The research drew on teacher focus groups and feedback from more than 700 students.
Four key themes emerged from the research, highlighting what helps students feel known, safe and supported in online learning:
Our response to national policy
DfE EOTAS consultation
The Department for Education recently consulted on the future of education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) in England. The consultation explored how to improve support, clarify responsibilities, and strengthen quality assurance for children and young people educated outside school, including those accessing provision because of health needs or learning through accredited online providers.
Tute submitted a response, alongside a separate response from OFG Education as a group, drawing on our experience of supporting thousands of children and young people each year.
Our underlying belief is that inclusion means being able to access, participate in, and benefit from education. Decisions about where, how, and for how long a child learns should reflect their individual needs, progress, and aspirations. Flexible provision should be available early enough to prevent disconnection from education, with access to an ambitious curriculum and meaningful progression opportunities.
We support stronger quality standards and clear accountability across providers and commissioners. We also believe that effective provision should be protected: fixed limits should not interrupt learning that is helping a student progress. Reintegration will be right for many, while others will need a different pathway. In every case, success should be judged by the child’s participation, belonging, and outcomes.
Your events calendar
Save the date for what’s next
Join us for a collaborative session exploring The child behind the screen, with practical discussion around recognising subtle signs, sharing information and building a fuller picture to safeguard children effectively.
Partner Event
Partner Safeguarding Network
The child behind the screen
A collaborative session exploring the subtle signs that a child may need support. Together, we will consider how sharing information and putting the pieces of the jigsaw together can help us build a fuller picture and safeguard children more effectively.
Tuesday 20 October
3:30-4:00pm
For your awareness
Key partner dates and updates
Shared provision timetables
Explore the updated shared provision timetable for 2026–27, including dedicated student breaks, protected Wednesday afternoons and a more flexible lesson structure.
2026-27 Term dates
Plan ahead for the new academic year with key term dates, holiday periods and September start dates for shared and private provision.
Need support?
Whether you’re planning provision for 2026-27, making referrals or exploring options for a student, your Account Manager is here to help.
Thank you for reading
Thank you for being part of the #TeamTute community and for the work you do every day to support the students who need it most.
We’re proud to work alongside you and to continue learning from your experiences. If there’s anything you’d like us to explore or share in future updates, we’d love to hear from you.
Warm wishes,
Team Tute
