General Rationale

As we re-enter a new nationwide lockdown, schools, parents and pupils find themselves considering the notion of distance learning and remote provision. There is no one-size-fits-all solution or a quick fix. However, what we can all do, in partnership, is our sincere and absolute best for each other. There are few experts in this scenario; however, we feel that as a school community we are excellently placed to offer enhanced provision at this juncture.

Many will try to tell you that this will be home-schooling. This is not the case, as we are not doing this by choice. This is a national emergency. What we are trying to do is maintain education at distance.

Teachers will work hard to support key workers’ children in school and those families who have to access materials from home. Families will be working hard to translate best advice into something that works well for them. Pupils will try to find new rhythms and do what they can to continue their education with support from the adults around them. Parents/families are now going to be more important than ever before. However, you have always been the primary educator in your children’s lives and you are excellently placed to understand what is best for them at this difficult time. As teachers, we understand the hugely challenging position parents/families are now in.

Equally, teachers and schools are planning and doing their level best to find solutions to the myriad of problems that are now apparent. Over the previous months we have drawn up contingencies, created resources and formulated effective medium term plans for this precise scenario. As families, we hope that you understand that we will be working incredibly hard on your behalf; indeed working alongside you.

We are well placed to offer a summary of best advice, lots of support and a sincere desire to help as much as we can. There will be, from the School, a genuine commitment to provide personalised, face-to-face educational support within a flexible framework that takes into account these continued extraordinary times. However, do not put undue pressure and stress upon yourself or your children at this difficult time.

The guidelines provided below are intended to help parents think about what they can do to help their children find success in the distance learning environment.