Remote Education Information for Parents

Attendance is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age. This information is intended to provide clarity and transparency to pupils and parents or carers about what to expect from remote education.

The senior leader with overarching responsibility for the quality and delivery of remote education is Miss Lucinda Bellett, the Headteacher. 

Application of Remote Learning Plan:

We will provide remote education to pupils in circumstances when in-person attendance is either not possible or contrary to government guidance. This might include:

• occasions when it is not possible for Richard de Clare to open safely, or that opening would contradict guidance from local or central government
• occasions when individual pupils, for a limited duration, are unable to physically attend their school but are able to continue learning, for example pupils with an infectious illness

In these circumstances, we will ensure pupils have access to remote education as soon as reasonably practicable, in proportion to the length of absence and disruption to their learning.

What should my child expect from immediate remote education in the first day or two of pupils being sent home?

In the event of a whole school closure, or reduced staffing capacity, a pupil’s first day or two of being educated remotely might look different from our standard approach. This is while we take all necessary actions to prepare for a longer period of remote teaching. In the first instance, parents/carers will be informed via Class Dojo of the learning that their child is expected to complete for the first few days of a remote education plan being initiated. This may mean we provide links to external sources, use paper packs or provide work books.

Following the first few days of remote education, will my child be taught broadly the same curriculum as they would if they were in school?

We teach the same curriculum remotely as we do in school wherever possible and appropriate. However, where needed adaptations will be made to ensure that the teaching is as effective as possible. This will be greater for the children in the younger years (particularly those in EYFS and with significant SEND) who will find remote learning more challenging than pupils in Key Stage 2.  

How long can I expect work set by the school to take my child each day?

We are following government guidance with regard to quantity of work: Key Stage 1 will be provided with around three hours a day on average across the cohort; less for those in Nursery and Reception. Key Stage 2 will be given around four hours a day.

How will my child access any online remote education you are providing?

All of the work will be available on our class pages on Class Dojo. 

• Parents are encouraged to maintain regular contact with the class teacher to encourage communication and work sharing between teacher, parent and child each day, but at least weekly.
• Class teachers will respond to work sent in by children on their pupil portfolio on Class Dojo.

What if I cannot access the online learning?

Where IT issues affect your child’s ability to access online learning, please do make contact via admin@richarddeclare.com  We are able to loan laptops to families where we have availability. Where demand exceeds supply needs will be prioritised by the head teacher, based on information available. Where children are unable to access online provision, we will endeavour to provide hard copies of materials which can be collected from the school office. Alternative arrangements for submitting learning will be organised on a pupil-by-pupil basis if required. 

How will my child be taught remotely?

We aim to make use of the technology and digital platforms available, alongside printed resources, such as textbooks and workbooks where this is not accessible. Our remote teaching offer will be a blended approach of live lessons (taught via Microsoft TEAMS), recorded teaching materials, printed packs provided by teachers and commercially available websites supporting the teaching of specific subjects or areas, including video clips or sequences.

Engagement and Feedback:

What are your expectations for my child’s engagement and the support that we as parents and carers should provide at home?

• Parents will establish routines that support their child’s learning.
• Ensure that your child is safe online, reporting any concerns, as appropriate. Further advice is available on our website.
• Make weekly contact with the school  via Class Dojo.
• Answer any calls from the school.
• Report any safeguarding concerns to the school.
• Seek support from the school as required.

How will you check whether my child is engaging with their work and how will I be informed if there are concerns? How will you assess my child’s work and progress?

Parents will be encouraged to share their child’s home learning by photographing and sending it to the class teacher via Class Dojo. Class teachers will respond to these posts to give the children feedback on their learning. Feedback can take many forms and may not always mean extensive written comments for individual children. For example, whole-class feedback, self-marking or quizzes marked automatically via digital platforms are also valid and effective methods, amongst many others. Pupils will recieve feedback on their learning at least weekly. 

Additional Support for Pupils with Particular Needs:

How will you work with me to help my child who needs additional support from adults at home to access remote education?

We recognise that some pupils, for example some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), may not be able to access remote education without support from adults at home. We acknowledge the difficulties this may place on families, and we will work with parents and carers to support those pupils on an individual basis.