When traditional schooling felt overwhelming for one young student in Worcestershire, a new approach helped her reconnect with her education, her peers, and her confidence. We spoke to Mala Jarvis, a dedicated SENDCo at St John's School in Bromsgrove, about how AV1 supported this student through a time of challenge and change.
School Setting
"The school environment had just become too overwhelming," Mala explains. "The noise, the transitions, the size of the setting – it was a lot. Attendance was dropping, and the pressure was mounting on everyone involved." Faced with a complex situation, Mala and her team looked for a solution that would reduce stress without cutting the student off from learning or friendships. That’s when AV1 came in.
Learning Without the Pressure
"It wasn’t just about keeping up academically," Mala says. "It was about connection – about keeping her part of the class community even when she couldn't be in the room physically." From the start, AV1 allowed the student to engage with lessons in a way that worked for her, avoiding the triggers that made school attendance difficult. Teachers noticed that she began to re-engage with her learning, and even more importantly, she felt part of things again.
Real Benefits, Real Human Connections
"We saw a clear positive impact on her wellbeing," Mala reflects. "She could still hear the classroom chatter, laugh at the same jokes, and feel included. That sense of belonging is so important, and AV1 gave her that." While extended screen time was a consideration, Mala's team quickly adapted to a hybrid approach: "We made sure there were opportunities for outdoor time and non-screen activities too, so it felt balanced and healthy."
Support for the Whole Family
The positive impact didn’t stop with the student. Her parents also felt the benefits. "It gave them a bit of breathing space," Mala shares. "Her mum told me she was finally able to get some household tasks done, knowing her daughter was safe, learning, and not in distress."
Overcoming Initial Hesitations
Of course, introducing new technology in schools can be daunting. At first, some staff had concerns, particularly around safeguarding and workload. "But we introduced AV1 gradually and had honest conversations," says Mala. "Once they saw the impact, it shifted. They saw it wasn't an extra burden – it was a help."
A Strong Recommendation
Mala is now a passionate advocate for AV1. "I’d recommend it to other schools, absolutely. It’s about removing barriers and creating options. It’s flexible, human, and supportive. It gave our student the chance to reconnect – with learning, with friendships, and with herself."
