Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing possibility that, at some point, pupils may need to self-isolate and be unable to attend school, we have planned ahead to ensure that learning can continue and children’s education isn’t adversely affected.
In the event of individuals or class/year groups bubbles having to self-isolate, we will continue to offer learning remotely via Edmodo. All pupils have been set-up on Edmodo and work will be posted on the platform for children to complete. We will continue with the usual classroom timetable as much as is possible and provide tasks and activities in a wide range of subjects, ensuring our curriculum is still broad and balanced. This will also mean that in a day, the amount of work sent home to complete may take the same amount of time to complete as a school day.
For those who do not have access to the internet, or a device on which to complete their work, hard copies of the tasks will be available from school. Please speak to your child’s class teacher and inform them that you will require hard copies, if you haven’t already done so.
Children in Nursery and Reception will have tasks set on Tapestry.
Individual Pupils in self-isolation
For the first 24 hours when individual pupils have to self-isolate, learning can continue using Times Table Rock Stars, reading and Oak Academy (available free to all). This will allow teachers time to organise work for the pupil on Edmodo.
If pupils are still required to self-isolate after this time, tasks and resources will be uploaded on to Edmodo, or be provided in paper form if requested. This will continue until self-isolation has ended. Daily feedback will be provided on the work.
Class/year group bubbles in self-isolation
The same as above will apply. This will only happen if there is a confirmed case in that class or year group and school have been advised by the DfE and Public Health England to close the bubble. This would be for a period of 14 days.
FAQs
How do I get on to Edmodo (Year 1-6) or Tapestry (Nursery, Reception)?
Your child already has a login for Edmodo or Tapestry which was given at the start of the year. This is how homework is now being set. If you are unable to access Edmodo/Tapestry, please let your child’s class teacher know as soon as possible. You can ask when you drop your child off, telephone and leave a message for a call back or contact them via Facebook.
Why aren’t you delivering ‘live’ lessons?
In deciding how to provide effective remote learning for our pupils, we have considered many factors and consulted evidence from research. What is clear from this evidence is that delivering ‘live’ lessons is not the only way to provide remote learning nor is it necessarily the most effective. We feel that providing the tasks online, with explanations (where necessary and appropriate), will continue the children’s learning and ensure they have the opportunity to make progress. Although we recognise that this doesn’t replace the high-quality teaching children would receive in the classroom, it will still support their learning so that they don’t fall further behind due to their absence.
Providing access to ‘live’ lessons also presents safeguarding issues. There are children in the classroom who can not be filmed for many reasons so live streaming could not take place.
Depending on the circumstances, if a class bubble has to close, the class teacher would also be in isolation and cannot, therefore, teach a live lesson from their own home.
My child is having too much screen time. Why are you sending work home like this?
The Department for Education expects a mixture of online and offline work to be provided for pupils. This is what we will aim to achieve in the tasks set online. Some will require screen time, others won’t. In the world we are currently living in, technology is playing a huge part in enabling many services and businesses to continue virtually. It is the world we are living in so let’s embrace it!
There is advice on our school website about how to keep your child safe online which we urge you to look at.
I sent my child’s teacher a message, but they haven’t replied. Why not?
We are all adapting to new ways of working. By asking our teachers to provide remote home learning for our pupils, when they already have a class of other children to plan for, teach and provide feedback to, means that we are increasing teachers’ workload significantly. However, we do have an extremely dedicated and hard-working staff team at Blackgates Primary so they will get back to you as soon as they are able.
We hope this guide has answered your questions but please ask your child’s class teacher if there is something you are still unsure of. We are always here to help and support you and your family.
Many thanks for your ongoing support throughout this difficult time.
