Remote education provision

At Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre, we recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances in which a pupil is unable to attend school but is well enough to continue learning. In these situations, we will provide remote education in line with the Department for Education’s guidance, ensuring that pupils remain engaged with their learning while maintaining a strong connection with their class and teacher.

Remote education is provided only where attendance at school is not possible or is contrary to government guidance. It is intended to be a short-term measure that enables pupils to continue their education while supporting their return to full-time attendance as soon as possible. Remote education does not replace in-person teaching, which remains the best option for pupils whenever attendance is possible. Provision will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account of each pupil’s individual circumstances and educational needs.

Where remote education is being provided, parents and carers will receive regular communication from the school outlining learning expectations and the resources available to support their child. Depending on the nature and duration of the absence, this may include links to Oak National Academy lessons and other curriculum resources that reflect the learning taking place in school.

Where appropriate, pupils will be provided with a combination of online and paper-based learning activities, together with home reading books and other curriculum materials. This flexible approach enables us to respond to individual circumstances while ensuring that pupils continue to make progress across the curriculum.

Remote education will reflect the curriculum being taught in school wherever possible, with particular emphasis on English, mathematics and, for younger pupils, early reading and phonics. Learning will be carefully planned to be ambitious, meaningful and appropriate to pupils’ age, stage of development and individual needs. The amount of work provided will take account of the length of absence, the pupil’s wellbeing and their ability to engage successfully with learning at home.

For pupils in Reception and Key Stage One, we will continue to prioritise the teaching of early reading and phonics. Where appropriate, parents and carers will receive guidance and resources, including decodable reading books linked to our chosen systematic synthetic phonics programme, to support regular reading practice at home.

Teachers will maintain appropriate contact with pupils and families throughout periods of remote education, providing encouragement, support and feedback on completed work where appropriate. We will monitor pupils’ engagement with learning and work closely with parents and carers to help overcome any barriers to participation.

We are committed to ensuring that all pupils can access remote education. Where families experience difficulties accessing suitable technology or internet connectivity, we will provide printed learning materials wherever possible. Remote education will be adapted, where appropriate, to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, working closely with parents, carers and external professionals as required.

Safeguarding remains our highest priority during any period of remote education. All communication with pupils and families will take place through approved school systems and in accordance with our safeguarding and child protection policies. We encourage parents and carers to supervise their child’s online learning and to reinforce safe and responsible use of technology while learning from home.