Bexley Council invests in telepresence robots for remote learning

May 5, 2026

South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Bexley Council has procured 10 AV1 telepresence robots to enable children who are absent from school due to medical needs, long-term illness, or anxiety to join lessons remotely. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of pupils falling behind and becoming isolated from their peers.

Enhancing Remote Education

The telepresence robots allow children to listen to teachers, view the classroom, and interact with classmates and educators via an app. This technology is intended to support pupils in maintaining their engagement with education while addressing their specific circumstances. The council stated that reported benefits include increased pupil engagement, improved attainment, a greater sense of belonging, enhanced wellbeing, and long-term development. The programme is designed to prevent the escalation of needs for these vulnerable students.

Integration with Existing Services

Originally commissioned as part of the Safety Valve programme, this initiative will now support the aims of the Schools White Paper and Local Area SEND Reforms. The council indicated that the AV1 robots will be used alongside existing Inclusion and Educational Psychology services. This integration is intended to expand the support offered to meet the individual needs of children and young people who are absent from school. The council has not specified the exact funding sources for the procurement of these robots, nor has it provided details on which specific wards or schools will be the initial recipients. The average absence rate for pupils in London due to long-term illness or mental health reasons is not readily available, making a direct comparison difficult.

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South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

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