Vulnerable Learner Provision and Engagement in a post-pandemic world: preliminary evidence from a Welsh local authority

The purpose of this paper is to present research on the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on Vulnerable Learners in a south Wales local authority,
UK. The study looked at the changing nature of the vulnerable learner
student profile and how their engagement has evolved because of the
pandemic, which also involved assessing the nature and types of vulnerable
learner provision. Using a case-study research design, two phases of data
collection were employed. In phase one, individual semi-structured
interviews took place online with those responsible for vulnerable learner
provision (n=10). In phase two, face-to-face focus groups were conducted
with learners from key stage 3, key stage 4 and Further Education (n=4). The
findings discuss the changing nature and profile of vulnerable learners; the
range of vulnerable learner provision; as well as, and perhaps most
importantly, learner voice perspectives. This research is of use to
policymakers, teachers, alternative education providers and all stakeholders
with an interest in vulnerable learners.