Overview
Due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we have put things in place to support the learning of all children should any individual or group isolations be needed. Our primary aim is to continue with our robust procedures so that staff and children are kept safe and can be in school, whenever possible, as we believe the school environment is the most effective place to learn.
If there are any confirmed cases of coronavirus or suspected close contacts, however, staff or children may need to stay at home. This may be individuals, groups or whole “bubbles” (classes).
Remote Learning Scenarios
We anticipate that there could be three possible remote learning scenarios. These are:
During this scenario, children will be provided with individual learning packs which cover the same lessons that their peers will be doing in school. The class teacher will also contact the child(ren) and parents for a weekly check-up and feedback session.
During this scenario, class teachers will teach their classes from home, following the usual timetable and the home learning systems below. There will be daily interaction between the children and their teacher. If the class teacher is ill and unable to teach, buddy teachers will take over.
It is anticipated that this scenario will be the same as the two-week remote learning (above), but for a longer, unknown period of time. Class teachers will teach their classes from home, following the usual timetable and the home learning systems below. Again, if at any point the class teacher is ill and unable to teach their class, buddy teachers will take over. There are also pre-prepared whole school topic learning packs that can be implemented during the first week of isolation if the need arises.
Age Appropriate Remote Learning Systems
Each phase of the school will access the remote learning above using the following systems.
Key Stage 2
All children in KS2 already have their own Google Chromebook which they use every day. During any isolation, the class teacher and the children will interact using Google Classroom, where work can be set, completed, submitted and checked. If any child requires a Google Chromebook in order to access this learning, parents should contact the school to let us know.
Key Stage 1
For KS1 children, the Seesaw app will be used. Using this app, work can be set, completed, submitted and checked. Again, if any child requires a device in order to access this learning, parents should contact the school to let us know.
Early Years
The Evidence Me app by 2Simple will be used to communicate learning with parents. Using this app, parents will be given phonics, reading and number activities to complete and send in. If parents do not have access to a smartphone or similar device, parents should please contact school to let us know.
In the instance that a class bubble closes, parents will receive from their child’s class teacher a more detailed programme of work which will indicate what is happening each day. The children should participate in this work so that their learning is not disadvantaged. If they do not, they risk having gaps in their learning.
Our remote learning plan consists of blended learning which will be in the form of:
Supporting Learning at Home
The more supported a child feels at home, the more effectively he or she will learn at school. Getting involved in your child’s learning, even in a simple way, will help your child develop a positive attitude towards learning. Below is a list of daily activities that would help your child to progress by consolidating the foundations to their learning.
Reading Aloud and Discussing a Text (20 minutes)
Research shows that reading for pleasure makes a big difference to children’s educational performance. Children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading assessments but also develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.
Handwriting Practise (10 minutes)
Handwriting still forms an integral part of our education system. It is therefore vital that children practice their handwriting. Handwriting reinforces our reading and language processing skills.
Times Tables Recall (10 minutes)
Knowing their times tables (and their associated division facts) supports mathematical learning and understanding and those children who have a strong grasp of them tend to be more successful when learning new concepts.
Spelling Practise (10 minutes)
Learning how to spell is one of the most fundamental skills that build the foundation that all children need throughout their education and life in general. Spelling and reading are closely related and together help develop overall literacy; spelling is also a critical component of communication.
Build-in Time for Creativity (10-20 minutes)
Make time for music, art and other creative subjects. This may include time for your child to practise an instrument, draw, paint, try their hand at drama or develop other skills.