Excluded pupils get online classes

Pupils and teachers will be linked by webcam

Permanently excluded school pupils in Derbyshire are to take internet lessons at home, in a virtual classroom.

Using webcams, the classes will allow pupil referral units to increase teaching for students with emotional or behavioural problems, without relying on physical contact.

Up to 30 excluded pupils, who already get five hours home tuition each week, will be able to work on assignments and submit their work electronically.

Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for education said: "The virtual classroom is not intended to be a replacement for personal contact.

There will still be regular home visits

Chris Taylor, Derbyshire County Council

"It will provide us with additional flexibility."

The changes could eventually mean those students not attending pupil referral units full-time could get a new minimum 25-hours tuition a week.

This is in line with targets, which will be introduced by the Department for Education and Skills in September.

Many excluded pupils in Derbyshire need to travel long distances to reach referral units.

But from the autumn the webcams will enable pupil and tutor to see each other.

Chris Taylor, press officer for Derbyshire County Council said: "It is very important to work with the family... and there will still be regular home visits."