At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that children can continue to learn if they are temporarily unable to attend school because of an exceptional school or class closure.

Google Classroom is our main platform for remote learning. It provides a safe and secure space where teachers can share learning activities, resources and messages with pupils and families.

 

When will remote learning be provided?

Remote learning may be used when:

• the school, a class or a group of pupils is unable to attend because of an unexpected closure;
• severe weather or another emergency prevents pupils from attending school; or
• the school decides that remote education is appropriate for an individual pupil in exceptional circumstances.

Remote learning is not normally provided for short periods of routine illness. If a child is unwell, their priority should be to rest and recover.

What will remote learning include?

Where remote learning is required, teachers will provide learning that reflects the curriculum being taught in school as closely as possible. Depending on the child’s age and needs, this may include:

• recorded explanations or links to suitable teaching videos;
• English, phonics, reading and spelling activities;
• mathematics lessons and practice;
• activities from across the wider curriculum;
• opportunities for prayer and reflection;
• practical tasks that can be completed away from a screen; and
• work to be completed and returned through Google Classroom.

Teachers will give clear instructions and will provide feedback where appropriate. We recognise that children’s needs and family circumstances differ, and the amount and format of learning will be adapted according to pupils’ ages.

 

Accessing Google Classroom

Pupils should sign in to Google Classroom using their school Google account and password. Learning will be posted in the pupil’s class area.

Google Classroom can be accessed through a web browser or through the Google Classroom app on a computer, Chromebook, tablet or smartphone.

Login details must be kept secure and should not be shared with anyone outside the child’s immediate family.

Supporting your child

Parents and carers can support remote learning by:

• helping their child establish a simple daily routine;
• providing a suitable place to work where possible;
• encouraging regular breaks, physical activity and time away from screens;
• helping younger children to access instructions and resources; and
• contacting the school if their child is experiencing any difficulties.

We do not expect parents and carers to recreate the classroom or directly teach every activity. Our aim is to provide learning that is clear, manageable and appropriate.

Additional needs and access to technology

We will make reasonable adjustments for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities and provide additional support where appropriate.

Families should contact the school promptly if they do not have a suitable device, internet access or the resources needed to participate. We will work with families to identify the most appropriate support available.

Online safety

The same high standards of behaviour expected in school apply online. Pupils should:

• communicate politely and respectfully;
• use only their own school account;
• complete and submit their own work;
• keep personal information private; and
• tell a trusted adult if they see or receive anything that worries them.

Parents and carers should supervise online activity in a way that is appropriate for their child’s age. Any safeguarding or online-safety concern should be reported to the school immediately.

Help and support

If you need help accessing Google Classroom, have forgotten your child’s login details or have concerns about remote learning, please contact the school office. We will be pleased to help.