Choosing the right educational support for a neurodivergent or SEND child can feel overwhelming, and families often have many questions before committing. Our FAQ page brings together clear, honest answers about how Gaia Learning works, who we support, and what makes our online alternative provision different.
Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, PDA, dyslexia, anxiety, sensory processing differences or is struggling with school attendance, our FAQ page helps you understand the practicalities of our approach — from session structure and curriculum to reintegration support, educator expertise and technology requirements.
Local authorities, SEND teams and virtual schools will also find useful information about commissioning Gaia Learning, safeguarding, reporting, attendance data, and how we align with UK SEND frameworks.
Our mission is to make the process simple, transparent and reassuring, so every family and professional can make informed decisions about a child’s learning journey.
From November 2025 Gaia Learning are an approved Pearson online EdExcel approved centre. This means we offer iGCSE's in modular format to support learners who need greater flexibility and choice.
How much provision can Gaia Learning offer (under LA guidance, excluding 'Home Educated' learners?)
Gaia Learning is a registered Alternative Provision provider that operates as a non-school setting. To meet LA guidance for non-school APs, we can offer a maximum of 15 hours of education per week for each LA or school funded learner. This flexibility allows us to design custom packages that are the right fit for every young person, including:
• very low-pressure re-engagement (for example 1 x 30 minute session per week)
• small, targeted academic or therapeutic inputs alongside another setting
• a full Gaia personalised timetable supporting core subjects, interests, and wellbeing
• additional wrap-around support such as mentoring or study skills within the 15-hour limit
Provision is designed to scale up or down as needed. Many learners begin with a gentle programme to rebuild confidence, then increase hours as engagement strengthens. Others may temporarily reduce sessions during periods of anxiety, significant life change, or transition to another setting. We are always guided by what is safest, sustainable, and most beneficial for the individual.
This approach ensures:
• compliance with local authority and national expectations for non-school AP
• careful attention to learner wellbeing and regulation
• a supportive pathway towards reintegration or next steps
• clear, transparent parameters for commissioners and guardians
If a learner, funded by a local authority, requires more than 15 hours per week, this would suggest the need for a full-time registered school placement. In those cases, Gaia can continue to support as a blended programme, but another setting would need to be the registered main education provider.Our goal is to meet learners where they are, respond to changes in their needs, and provide a safe bridge towards success in education and beyond.
Gaia Learning is an online learning alternative provision (read more here) for neurodivergent and SEND learners. We offer calm, structured live online sessions in small groups and 1:1 for children who need something different from mainstream school.
No. We are purposefully not a DFE registered school. We provide online alternative provision and tuition that can sit alongside or in place of mainstream schooling as part of an agreed package with families, schools and local authorities.
We support neurodivergent and SEND learners, including autistic, ADHD, PDA, anxious and school-refusing children and young people, as well as those waiting for assessment or who find the classroom overwhelming.
We work with learners aged 7–16+, broadly across:
We offer a UK curriculum-aligned range of subjects, including:
Subjects and timetables can be tailored to each learner - see more here.
Yes. We provide GCSE support in core subjects through small groups and 1:1 sessions, helping neurodivergent learners build confidence, fill gaps and prepare for exams in a calmer online environment. See our GCSE page here.
All sessions are live and online using a secure virtual classroom. Lessons are structured, visual and predictable, with clear routines and space for breaks. Learn more here.
Yes. We offer:
We use:
Yes. Gaia Learning works well as part of a flexischooling arrangement, where a learner spends part of the week in school and part online with us. We can coordinate with school and family to keep learning joined up - read more here.
Yes. Many of our learners experience anxiety, school trauma or school refusal. Our online model and bespoke 'learner-first' approach removes the pressures of the busy classroom, and we build trust gradually with a focus on safety, regulation and small achievable steps.
Yes. We partner with local authorities and virtual schools across England to provide commissioned online alternative provision for learners who cannot attend school full time or are waiting for a placement.
Yes. Our teaching is aligned with the UK curriculum, but adapted to each learner’s pace, needs and interests. We prioritise understanding, core skills and confidence over rushing through content. We've built our own Spiral Curriculum, read more here.
Yes from November 2025 we are a Pearson EdExcel exam centre for iGCSE's and learners can sit their exams with us.
Our specialist educators are experienced in working with neurodivergent and SEND learners online. They use a neurodiversity-affirming, child-centred approach and follow our safeguarding policies. Meet the team here.
You’ll usually just need:
That’s very common. We can begin with camera-off, use chat and shared whiteboards, and gradually build comfort at the learner’s pace.
Fees depend on:
Some learners are funded by local authorities or schools, others pay privately. See our Timetables & Fees section here.
Yes. We work with local authorities across England as a commissioned online alternative provision, including for learners with EHCPs or those awaiting placement - see our LA page here.
You can book a free online taster session here.
21. Can you help with funding support?
Yes take a look at the options and how it works here.
22. Do you work with any charities?
Yes, please read more here.
23. I want to work at Gaia Learning, where are your vacancies?
Take a look at this page, look forward to meeting you.
24. How does Double Science work?
We offer double science GCSE which means your child needs to sit double the number of lessons to achieve this qualification, therefore the session numbers as part f your personalised learning plan will be x 2.
25. What are your term times?
See this page on our website.
26. How do Exams work?
Take a look here.
Can my child go back into school?
Do you accept students from overseas?
Yes we focus on what is best for the learner and want them to thrive with their learning. If your child is best in a physical school we will work with you and the school to make that happen. Learners can be with us for a day, week or term - whatever works for you.
Yes absolutely. All of our curriculum and content is international and part of the Cambridge curriculum. We run our main class timetable in GMT and can offer 1:1 additional tuition more responsive to your timezone.
How do you get to know the student?
Can my child have a taster lesson?
We spend time to build a relationship with your child as this is fundamental to success. We recognise their strengths and listen to their needs. If they are in school, have a care plan or there is specific insight from the family and educational community which can be shared we welcome that also.
Absolutely. We offer up to 30 minutes of a free taster lesson to show the student how to use our tech, and get to know the child’s interests to understand how we can best work together.
If you’d like a free taster lesson please click here.
Have you worked with children who are Autistic?
My child has an EOTAS, what happens now?
Yes. Our educators are all SEN trained and experienced in working with children with additional needs and learning difficulties. For tuition, your child is personally matched to a tutor that will best support their needs. For our online school, we form small groups of up to 12 students who have similiar challenges and learning goals.
We can help. Connect us in to your SENCO lead at the school or main contact or your local authority and we will do the rest.
Call us: 0151 808 0232
Gaia Learning, First Floor, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JW
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