A robot that will help a young cancer victim access education has been welcomed into classrooms at Filey Academy.

Teachers have been testing the technology in readiness for when Year 7 pupil Archie feels ready to resume his learning.

Archie, 12, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September last year.

Despite undergoing a gruelling chemotherapy regime, his cancer has failed to be brought under control and Archie recently underwent an operation to amputate his leg.

Archie with the new robot to assist with his learning.

placeholder image — Archie with the new robot to assist with his learning.

The family approached Filey School, where Archie started last September, to allow the use of an AV1 virtual robotic assistant to enable Archie to attend lessons during his recovery.

The AV1 robot will act as a physical presence in the classroom, with Archie listening to lessons and being able to ask questions through it remotely.

The robot will also help him to stay in contact with his friends.

Anna Heaton, Executive Principal, said: “Our first thoughts remain with Archie as he bravely battles this condition.

Filey Academy pupils (pictured left to right) Sonny, Archie and Ava with the AV1 robot that will support Archie access education.

“We have been working with North Yorkshire County Council’s Medical Education Service and Leeds Children’s Hospital at Leeds General Infirmary to ensure Archie can access education when he feels ready to do so.

“The AV1 robot, supplied by the council, has been successfully tested in a variety of classrooms and settings.

“Archie will be able to access his education as soon as he, his family and his doctors feel he is well enough.

“We are also looking at other ways we can support the family at this difficult time and met with them again today (February 26).

“Our priority has always been Archie’s best interests and we want our school community to know we are doing all we can to support him.

“We continue to wish him all the best as he recovers from his operation.”

Archie’s aunt Christina Makin said: “Archie is doing well, he's undergoing a lot of intense physio, but he is always smiling, which is incredible given what he's going through.

“We had a meeting today with the headteacher, the executive principal, a lady from the local authority and a representative from Delta.

“It was very positive and I explained why we had been so annoyed.

“Telling the newspaper before us that the robot was in school was not acceptable, Archie should have known first.

“They did apologise and took full responsibility.

“The local authority woman, Sarah Wright, has been fantastic. I can't praise her enough.

“We did come out of the meeting feeling a lot more positive.”

Following the meeting it has been agreed that Archie will begin English, Maths and Science lessons (11 hours) using the AV1, starting yesterday (Wednesday, March 4).

Christina thanked parents who had been planning to hold a protest on Friday, February 28 for their support, but said that the family is happy with the plan which has now been put in place.

She was keen to highlight one issue though. She said school said that someone had emailed on the family’s behalf being rude about the teachers.

She said: “That's disgusting and not what this is about at all. We don't want nasty things like that. Saying awful things like that is not okay.”