Bexley deploys telepresence robots for homebound students
Bexley has introduced a fleet of 10 AV1 telepresence robots designed to keep students connected to their classrooms during periods of extended absence. The initiative targets children unable to attend school physically due to chronic illness, medical recovery, or severe anxiety.
📌 Key Highlights
* Fleet Size: 10 AV1 telepresence units procured for the borough.
* Core Purpose: Supporting students with medical needs, long-term illness, or school-related anxiety.
* Functionality: Real-time video/audio streaming, virtual hand-raising, and app-based controls.
* Integration: Part of the Local Area SEND Reforms and Safety Valve programme.
Robotic assistance for long-term absence
The AV1 units act as a physical proxy for the student within the classroom. Controlled via a tablet or smartphone from a home or hospital setting, the robot allows the child to see their teacher, hear lessons, and observe the whiteboard.
Students interact through the robot by flashing integrated lights to signal they have a question or wish to participate in group discussions. This technology aims to mitigate the educational lag and social isolation often experienced by pupils away from the school environment for months at a time.
Integration with SEND and inclusion services
Originally commissioned under the Safety Valve programme, the deployment aligns with the Schools White Paper and broader Local Area SEND Reforms. The robots are not intended as a permanent replacement for physical attendance but as a transitional tool.
Bexley’s Inclusion and Educational Psychology services will manage the rollout, ensuring the robots complement existing support frameworks. The program focuses on maintaining a sense of belonging and preventing the escalation of complex needs by keeping students tethered to their peer groups and curriculum.
Local authorities expect the use of AV1 Telepresence Robots for Remote Learning to improve long-term attainment and wellbeing outcomes for the borough’s most vulnerable learners. The robots are now being dispatched to schools across the borough based on individual student assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Bexley schools introducing AV1 telepresence robots for students?
These robots act as a digital “avatar” for children facing long-term absence due to chronic illness, medical recovery, or severe school-related anxiety. Unlike a standard video call, the AV1 telepresence robot allows the student to virtually sit in their usual classroom seat, interact via integrated lights to “raise a hand,” and maintain vital social bonds with their peers, which prevents the educational lag and isolation often caused by extended absences.
How can a parent or carer request a telepresence robot for a child in Bexley?
The deployment is managed directly by Bexley’s Inclusion and Educational Psychology services. If your child is unable to attend school for medical reasons, your first step should be contacting your school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCO). They will assess if the child meets the criteria for the fleet of 10 units and coordinate with the local authority to integrate the robot into the child’s current Support Plan or EHC plan.
What makes these robots different from traditional remote learning via a laptop?
The AV1 provides a physical presence that a laptop cannot. It is mobile, meaning it can be carried to different classrooms or even the lunchroom, allowing the student to remain part of the social fabric of the school day. Controlled via a private app on a tablet or smartphone, the robot ensures the child isn’t just watching a lesson, but actively participating in group discussions and peer-to-peer interaction in real-time.
Is the use of these robots intended to be a permanent replacement for school attendance?
No. Bexley’s initiative, funded through the Safety Valve programme, treats these robots as a transitional tool. The primary goal is to maintain a sense of belonging and curriculum continuity so that when the student is medically or emotionally ready to return, the transition back to the physical classroom is seamless and less overwhelming.
Where can Bexley residents find more information on SEND reforms and technology support?
For official updates on the rollout and broader educational support, residents should consult the Bexley Local Offer website. This platform provides comprehensive details on the Local Area SEND Reforms and how technology like the AV1 fits into the borough’s long-term strategy for inclusion and student wellbeing.
Source: London Borough of Bexley
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- 2026-05-05 19:52
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