Remote Education

At Giles Junior School, we recognise the importance of maintaining learning when a pupil cannot attend school. Our priority is for children to attend in person, where they benefit from teaching, friendships and the wider school experience.

When might remote education be provided?

Remote education may be considered during an exceptional school closure, or where an individual pupil cannot attend for a short period but is well enough to learn.

Individual arrangements will be considered with parents and carers, taking account of the child’s needs and circumstances. Where appropriate, we will involve other professionals and agree how provision will support a return to school.

Children who are too unwell to learn should rest and recover.

What will learning involve?

We will aim to provide meaningful activities linked to the curriculum pupils would ordinarily be studying, with adaptations where needed.

Depending on the circumstances, learning may include:

• Reading, writing and mathematics activities.

• Work from other curriculum subjects.

• Teacher explanations, recorded teaching or carefully selected online resources.

• Independent tasks and practical activities that can be completed at home.

We will explain how to access learning and how completed work can be shared. Activities will be made available as soon as reasonably practicable.

The amount and format of work will reflect the duration of the absence, the child’s age, health, additional needs and home circumstances. During an extended closure, we will aim to provide learning equivalent in length to core teaching time where possible, allowing appropriate breaks.

Support with accessing learning

Please contact the school office if your child has difficulty accessing a device, an internet connection or learning materials. We will discuss the support available, including alternatives to online activities where appropriate.

For pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, teachers and the SENCO will work with families to consider suitable adaptations and support.

Keeping in touch and feedback

We will explain the arrangements for contact, submitting work and receiving feedback. Staff will review engagement and discuss any difficulties with families.

Parents and carers can help by establishing a manageable routine, encouraging regular breaks and letting school know when their child needs support.

Online safety

Children should use the resources recommended by school and follow our expectations for safe and respectful behaviour online. Parents and carers should provide appropriate supervision and report any online safety concerns to school.

Attendance and returning to school

Remote education is a temporary arrangement. It does not automatically authorise an absence or replace the expectation to attend school. Absence will continue to be recorded in accordance with attendance requirements.

Where provision is agreed for an individual pupil, we will review the arrangements with the family and support a return to school as soon as appropriate.

Who should I contact?

Please contact the school office in the first instance if you need help with remote education. Your query will be directed to the class teacher, SENCO or school leadership team as appropriate.