Remote education should only ever be considered as a last resort where a decision has already been made that attendance at school is not possible, but pupils are able to continue learning.

Every effort will be made to ensure pupils can be taught in person by attending their school or if appropriate and possible, attending a safe alternative site. Remote education may be necessary in the event of school closures. During these times, our priority is to ensure continuity of learning for all pupils.

There may be other exceptional circumstances. In line with DfE guidance these circumstances should only involve a short-term absence and might include pupils:

·       recovering from short- term infectious illnesses

·       preparing for or recovering from some operations

·       recovering from injuries where attendance might inhibit recovery

In some exceptional cases, these circumstances might also include pupils whose attendance has been affected by a special educational need or disability (SEND) or a mental health issue. In these circumstances, after the pupil’s absence from school has been established, we will consider providing pupils with remote education on a case-by-case basis. This should be part of a plan to reintegrate back to school, and only when it is judged that providing remote education would not adversely affect the pupil’s return to school.

Teachers will set work via Class Dojo, with a strong focus on reading and maths, including the use of Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) to support fluency in multiplication. Activities will be age-appropriate and engaging, balancing online and offline tasks.

Providing remote education that is equivalent in length to the core teaching time pupils would receive in school where possible, being mindful of the individual needs and circumstances of the pupil and their families. These include, but are not limited to:

Consideration of age, stage and development, SEND need, screen time and any significant demands on Parents / Carers.

 We are committed to working to overcome barriers to digital access where possible for pupils by, for example:

·    Auditing access to devices and connectivity across the school as part of wider emergency planning.

·    Distributing school-owned devices accompanied by a user agreement or contract if and where necessary and possible.

·    Supporting families to find appropriate internet connectivity solutions if and where necessary and possible.

·       If required, ensuring equal access through the provision of printed resources, supplemented with other appropriate forms of communication between the school and pupils.

 Delivering remote education safely

Safeguarding and online safety remain at the heart of our approach. When planning, delivering and monitoring remote education, school staff will have due regard to the school’s online safety policy and remote learning protocols as stated in our school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policy. 

Free school meals and remote education

Where pupils eligible for benefits-related free school meals are receiving remote education, schools should work with their school catering team or caterer either to provide good quality lunch parcels or to issue a food voucher if available. This will ensure that eligible pupils continue to be supported for the period they are unable to attend school. 

Remote education during a suspension or permanent exclusion

As outlined in the suspension and permanent exclusion guidance, we will take steps to ensure work is set and marked for pupils during the first 5 school days of a suspension or permanent exclusion.