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PARENTS & PUPILS

remote education

1. Remote Education Statement

At Witheridge Academy, we are committed to providing a high-quality remote education experience for all our pupils. Our approach ensures that learning continues effectively, whether students are at home or in school. We use the Google platform, including Google Classroom and Google Education tools, to deliver our remote learning curriculum. We also emphasise robust e-safety measures to protect our pupils, staff, Trustees, Governors, and volunteers while online.

Our vision statement is 'Life, Love and Learning to the Full'. As a school, we recognise that remote education is important in order to help children grow up as outstanding global citizens. Whilst they are with us, we want to show them how exciting and creative this can be. At the same time, we want them to know and learn how to keep themselves safe.

2. Remote Learning Plan

Our remote learning plan is designed to mirror the curriculum taught in school. Students will have access to daily lessons, resources, and assignments through Google Classroom. When deemed necessary and when learning remotely, the children will receive a blend of live sessions, pre-recorded lessons, and interactive activities to maintain engagement and continuity in learning.

3. Accessing Remote Education

The children have been shown in school how to access the Google platform. At home, your child will need to log in using the year they started at the school along with their surname, the first letter of their Christian name, and teamschools.co.uk.

E.g. 18smithf@teamschools.co.uk

Passwords have been shared with the children.

When in the online classroom, the children can access live streams which provide them with the opportunity to write messages to their class teacher and peers. Along with this, they can access curriculum activities that have been set.

To access remote education:

  • Students will log into their Google Classroom account using their school-provided email address and password.
  • For technical support, please contact our school admin team who will then contact the Trust IT helpdesk.

4. Curriculum and Content

Our remote education curriculum aligns with the national curriculum and includes:

  • Core subjects: English, Maths, Science
  • Foundation subjects: History, Geography, Art, Physical Education, Music, and more.
  • Resources such as digital textbooks, workbooks, and additional reading materials are provided within Google Classroom.

5. Daily/Weekly Timetables

When learning remotely for a substantial amount of time, children can expect:

  • A structured timetable with clear times for live lessons, independent work, and breaks.
  • Daily schedules will be posted on Google Classroom by 8:30 AM each morning.
  • Weekly overviews will be shared every Monday, outlining the focus for the week.

6. Expectations for Pupils and Parents

Pupils are expected to:

  • Attend live sessions punctually and actively participate.
  • Complete and submit assignments on time.
  • Engage respectfully with peers and teachers.

Parents can support by:

  • Ensuring a quiet, distraction-free environment for their child.
  • Encouraging a routine that aligns with the school timetable.
  • Monitoring their child’s engagement and progress through Google Classroom.

7. Assessment and Feedback

  • Teachers will assess student work through assignments submitted on Google Classroom.
  • Feedback will be provided through comments, grades, and scheduled one-on-one meetings as needed.
  • Formal assessments will be conducted at regular intervals to track progress.

8. Support for Pupils with SEND

We are dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) during remote learning. Our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) works closely with teachers, parents, and pupils to provide a comprehensive support system. Tailored resources and support plans are designed to meet the individual needs of each pupil, ensuring they can continue to make progress in their learning.

Support Available for Pupils with SEND:

  • Individual Learning Plans: Each pupil with SEND will have an individual learning plan that outlines specific goals and strategies tailored to their needs.
  • Differentiated Instruction: Teachers will provide differentiated instruction and materials that are adapted to the pupil’s learning style and level.
  • Specialised Resources: Access to specialised resources, such as educational software, assistive technology, and sensory tools, to support learning and engagement.
  • Regular Check-ins: Scheduled one-on-one sessions with the SENCO or a designated support staff member to review progress and address any challenges.
  • Parental Support: Guidance and resources for parents to help support their child's learning at home, including strategies for managing routines and behaviours.
  • Therapeutic Support: Access to therapeutic services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and counselling, delivered through virtual sessions where possible.
  • Collaboration with External Agencies: Coordination with external agencies and specialists to ensure that all aspects of the pupil’s educational and developmental needs are met.

Parents are encouraged to communicate regularly with the SENCO and teachers to discuss their child's progress and any additional support that may be required. Please contact the school’s admin team for more details on how we can support your child’s learning during this period.

9. Pastoral Support and Wellbeing

The wellbeing of our pupils is paramount. We provide:

  • Regular check-ins and pastoral care through virtual meetings.
  • Access to mental health resources and support services, detailed below.
  • Activities and resources to promote mental and physical wellbeing.

Mental Health Resources and Support Services in North Devon:

  • Young Minds: Offers resources and support for children’s mental health. Young Minds
  • CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services): Provides specialist mental health services for children and young people. Contact via your GP or school SENCO.
  • Kooth: An online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children and young people. Kooth
  • Mind Devon: Offers mental health support and resources. Mind Devon
  • Early Help for Mental Health (EH4MH): Provides mental health support in Devon schools. Contact through your school.
  • Devon County Council’s Education Psychology Service: Offers support and advice for schools and families. Devon Education Psychology Service
  • The Wave Project: Provides surf therapy to improve young people’s mental health. The Wave Project

10. Digital Access Support

To ensure all students have access to remote learning, schools may provide loan devices to families in need in the event of remote learning being required for a substantial amount of time. Please contact the Head of School to request a device.

Information on low-cost internet options in North Devon includes:

  • BT Basic: BT offers a low-cost broadband package for families receiving certain benefits.
  • Virgin Media Essential Broadband: Available for those receiving Universal Credit.
  • TalkTalk: Provides affordable plans and sometimes offers deals for low-income families.
  • Community WiFi Schemes: Check with local libraries or community centres for free WiFi access.

11. Communication Channels

We keep parents and guardians informed through:

  • Weekly newsletters and updates via email.
  • Regular announcements and information posted on Google Classroom and our school website.
  • Contact details for key staff members are listed on our website for any queries or concerns.

12. Safeguarding and Online Safety

Our E-safety policy ensures the online safety of all pupils, staff, Trustees, Governors, and volunteers. We use Smoothwall to ensure our children and schools are kept safe. Smoothwall is the leading provider of online safeguarding infrastructure for the UK education sector. More than 10,000 schools, colleges, and multi-academy trusts depend on its filtering technologies to keep the internet safe for their students and staff – and many go through Coconnect.

We monitor our system on a daily basis. Heads of school, the CEO, Director of Education, Director of Inclusion, and our IT lead all follow up on concerns. Termly reports are provided for Trustees on statistics linked to incidents.

Key elements include:

  • Regular training and updates for staff and pupils on online safety.
  • Robust mechanisms to identify, intervene, and escalate any online safety incidents.
  • Appropriate filtering and monitoring systems managed by our ICT Manager to keep pupils safe from harmful content online.

Parents can seek further guidance on keeping children safe online from the following organisations:

13. Cyber-bullying Prevention and Response

Cyber-bullying is addressed proactively within our Trust. We educate pupils on what it is, how to report it, and provide support for those affected. Incidents are handled according to our Behaviour policy and may involve liaison with external agencies or the police if necessary.

14. Acceptable Use and Monitoring

All users of the Trust’s ICT systems must agree to and adhere to the terms of acceptable use. This includes ensuring devices are used securely and appropriately. More information is available in our E-safety policy appendices.

15. Contingency Plans

We are prepared for various scenarios:

  • Full remote learning in case of school closures.
  • Blended learning with a combination of in-school and remote education.
  • Procedures for sudden transitions between modes of education.