At Rosewood Virtual Academy, our mission is to ensure that every learner has access to meaningful, high-quality education — even when traditional environments are not yet the right fit. For some students, especially those with complex social, emotional or behavioural needs, accessing learning safely on-site can be challenging.

In rare but serious cases, a student’s display of violent or aggresive behaviour may mean that attending a physical school site is not possible in the short term. This decision is never made lightly. It is always guided by a single principle: the safety and wellbeing of all pupils, staff, and the individual child themselves.

Understanding the Root Cause of Violence

Violent or aggressive behaviour is rarely about defiance or a desire to harm. For many young people, especially those with histories of trauma, anxiety, or neurodiversity, violence can be a communication of distress — a way of expressing overwhelming emotion when language or regulation strategies break down.

At Rosewood, we don’t see “a violent child”; we see a child who has lost control, often because their needs are not yet fully understood or met. That’s why our first response is always understanding, not punishment.

Safety, Dignity and Responsibility

Every member of our school community deserves to feel safe. This includes our staff, our pupils, and families. When violence occurs — whether physical aggression, serious threats, or unsafe behaviour — we must take immediate action to protect everyone involved.

If it becomes clear that a student cannot currently access a shared learning space safely, even with additional support, their access to on-site education within their setting may be restricted or, depending on the severity and risk, may result in a permanent exclusion. This is a protective measure to ensure the right supports and strategies are put in place.

During this time, education is available and can continue remotely through Rosewood Virtual Academy — a structured, trauma-informed platform that allows learning, regulation, and reflection to continue in a safe environment.

No Child Misses Out

Preventing exclusion is not always possible, but our virtual provision ensures that no child “misses out” because they are not yet ready for the pressures of on-site learning.
Through personalised timetables, one-to-one support, and therapeutic engagement, pupils remain connected to their education while working towards readiness for reintegration on-site.

Our virtual team supports each learner to:

• Maintain consistent routines and relationships

• Build emotional regulation and coping strategies

• Continue academic progress in line with their peers

• Develop the confidence and self-awareness needed for safe reintegration

This approach reflects our belief that education should adapt to the child — not the other way around.

Reintegration and Growth

While safety must come first, our long-term goal is always to rebuild trust and readiness for a safe return to on-site education. Reintegration is carefully planned, gradual, and fully risk-assessed. It involves collaboration between parents, staff, and external professionals, ensuring the transition back is positive and sustainable.

We include supportive measures which are solution-focused, and we ensure curriculum coverage in important areas to ensure developed understanding on the impact of violence or aggression through targeted PSHE intervention. If the Police are involved in any incidents, we can work alongside Youth Justice where appropriate and deliver criminology to support the understanding of the longer term impact that violence can have on self and community.

Success is measured not only in academic progress but in growth — improved emotional regulation, stronger relationships, and restored self-belief.

A Message to Families

If your child has been referred to Rosewood Virtual Academy following an incident of violence, please know this is not a punishment. It is a protective and supportive step, designed to give your child the time, space, and tools they need to re-engage safely with education.

We are committed to working closely with you to ensure learning continues, progress is made, and every step forward is celebrated.

Our Commitment

At Rosewood, we believe that every child, no matter their history or challenges, deserves respect, understanding, and opportunity.
By using both on-site and virtual learning models, we can uphold safety, dignity and inclusion — ensuring that even in moments of crisis, education continues, compassionately and consistently.