Persistent and severe absence remain stubborn national challenges, and educational psychologists are increasingly the specialists called on to support children experiencing emotionally based school avoidance, medical non-attendance and other barriers to being in the classroom. At the same time, the Schools White Paper's inclusion agenda and the Experts at Hand programme are placing EPs at the centre of whole-school consultation, not just individual assessment.

Against a backdrop of workforce shortages and rising demand, EP teams need practical tools that support gradual, dignified reintegration rather than one more process to manage.

AV1 is a telepresence robot that lets a child who cannot physically attend school join lessons, see friends and stay part of school life from home or hospital. For EPs working on EBSA, transition planning and inclusive practice, it is a tool that turns a psychological formulation into something a child can use tomorrow morning.