Remote Learning
Remote Learning at The Southwater Infant Academy
In September 2020, all our classes returned to full-time education following the Covid-19 closure in March. Although we hope that the majority of our children will now have an uninterrupted experience, there is the possibility that an individual child, a class bubble, or indeed the whole academy, will need to self-isolate for a period of time. We have therefore put in place a plan for remote learning so that all children can continue with their education. Remote learning will be shared with families when they are absent due to authorised Covid related absence.
The academy will use Tapestry Online Journal for remote learning. On Tapestry, learning activities will be shared for children to complete during absence from the academy.
If a child does not have access to a computer/laptop and/or the Internet, the academy will do all it can to support children and if necessary provide paper packs of learning. Where funding can be accessed, assistance with 4G connections will be sought - particularly for disadvantaged children. Parents will be reminded to make the academy aware of any barriers to accessing remote learning.
Overview
In the first instance, families will be directed to Tapestry where they can find posts which contain a variety of resources and activities to access during the first four days of absence. The class teacher or Deputy Headteacher will contact parents to confirm whether further resources are required from day five.
From day five onwards class teachers will provide two core activities each day; English (either Writing or Spelling / Phonics based on planning in school) and Maths (based on the White Rose materials). In addition to this, children will be expected to complete daily reading.
The daily timetable may include the following;
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SUBJECT |
WEB LINK |
DETAIL |
|
Maths |
https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/
|
Using White Rose maths, children will complete a session which includes a video and subsequent questions. |
|
Reading |
Children are to read from their own reading book or download and read a free e-book from Oxford Owls. |
|
|
Writing incl. Spelling/Phonics |
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A writing task or activity to complete that enables children to use their creativity and embed skills and concepts learned. |
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Other Curriculum subjects |
These will be planned by the teachers to fit in with themes and topics being learned in the academy. |
If the whole class is absent then we may also use other educational websites to support remote learning.
Other resources
We may use recorded video to provide weekly information, instructional videos and stories, as well as other websites.
Providing feedback
Families can upload any completed work/photographs to teachers via Tapestry. If this is not possible, work can be brought into the academy after the child returns, or by another family attending the academy. Work will receive an acknowledgement from a teacher or other academy staff. This will not aim to replicate feedback on strengths and development in learning that parents might expect when the academy is open and working normally, as we recognise that the circumstances for home learning are very different.
Contact with pupils/ parents
Parents are able to contact the academy via telephone or by emailing the academy office. Where a pupil is self-isolating on medical ground for a significant period of time, contact will be made on a weekly basis to monitor learning and provide support if needed. Pupils identified as vulnerable will be contacted by the Deputy Headteacher and support offered as necessary.
Safeguarding
Please refer to our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
Data protection
When accessing personal data, all staff members will: only use their official academy email account and connect to the academy network using their academy laptop only. Staff members are unlikely to need to collect and/or share personal data. However, if it does become necessary, staff are reminded to collect and/or share as little personal data as possible online. All data collection will be compliant with GDPR guidelines.
Keeping devices secure
All staff will take appropriate steps to ensure their devices remain secure. Computers should be locked if left inactive for a period of time. Operating systems must be up to date – always install the latest updates.
Monitoring arrangements
This policy will be reviewed by the Leadership Team as and when updates to home learning are provided by the government.
Links with other policies
This policy is linked to our:
• Behaviour for Learning policy
• Safeguarding and Child protection policy
• Data protection policy and privacy notices