Purple Ruler

Overview

Purple Ruler is an online education provider for pupils aged 11 to 16, primarily serving those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who struggle to attend physical schools. The inspection confirms that the provider meets all minimum standards for online education set by the Department for Education. Leaders have taken effective action to ensure the full breadth of the curriculum is in place, with detailed schemes of work supporting systematic knowledge development.

Strengths

• Staff provide exceptional support for pupils with SEND, using subject expertise and assessment data to deliver "carefully tailored, individualised teaching that meets their needs."
• Positive professional relationships and a "calm and nurturing online environment" help pupils "reignite their spark for learning."
• Communication with commissioners is a strength, ensuring they feel "well-informed about their children’s progress."
• Teachers effectively use technology and high-quality resources to make lessons engaging, while rigorous recruitment and safeguarding procedures protect vulnerable pupils.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must identify more clearly the systematic development of spelling, punctuation, and grammar in English schemes of work to better support pupils with lower literacy skills.
• Some parents and commissioners would like more information about upcoming curriculum content to help them prepare their children for learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that arrangements for keeping children safe are appropriate, with a well-trained designated safeguarding lead, robust recruitment processes, and secure computer systems protecting pupils from online threats.