Remote Education at Ordsall Primary School

At Ordsall Primary School, we believe that in-person attendance is always the best place for children to learn. However, we recognise that there may be limited circumstances where a pupil is unable to attend school but is well enough to continue learning from home.

This page explains what parents and pupils can expect from our remote education provision should it be required.

Remote education is not an alternative to school attendance and will only be used where attendance is temporarily not possible and the alternative would be no education.

When remote education may be used

Remote education will only be considered in the following situations:

• short-term individual absence (for example, following illness, injury or medical treatment), or

• exceptional circumstances where attendance at school is temporarily not possible.

Remote education is always used as a last resort and is intended to support continuity of learning until pupils can return to school.

Our approach to remote education

Our approach is guided by Department for Education expectations and is designed to ensure that pupils:

• continue to access meaningful and ambitious learning;

• receive work that is closely aligned to classroom learning;

• are supported to re-integrate smoothly when they return to school.

We avoid creating a “second curriculum”. Instead, remote education reflects what pupils would normally be learning in class, adapted where necessary.

How remote education is provided

When remote education is required, provision will usually include:

Printed work packs

• The primary method of delivery.

• Closely matched to classroom learning.

• Clearly structured, with key objectives, vocabulary and practice activities.

• Available for collection from school or delivered where agreed.

Carefully selected digital content (where appropriate)

• Used to supplement, not replace, printed work.

• Selected to align with our curriculum and progression.

• Clear guidance provided so pupils know exactly what to access.

Regular check-ins

• Staff will maintain contact with pupils and families, typically by telephone.

• These check-ins are used to:

  • maintain a sense of belonging,

  • check wellbeing and engagement,

  • answer questions about learning,

  • identify whether any adjustments are needed.

Time expectations

Remote education is planned to broadly reflect the amount of core teaching pupils would receive in school, averaged over time:

• Key Stage 1: around 3 hours per day

• Key Stage 2: around 4 hours per day

This includes explanation, practice and independent work and is designed to be flexible and manageable for families.

Pupils with SEND and vulnerable pupils

We continue to use our best endeavours to meet the needs of pupils with SEND during periods of remote education.

This may include:

• adapted or simplified work;

• visual supports or alternative recording methods;

• reduced volume of work where appropriate;

• close liaison between class teachers, the SENCO and families.

For vulnerable pupils, including those known to other services, additional contact and welfare checks will be considered and followed up in line with safeguarding procedures.

Communication with families

When remote education is required:

• parents/carers will be informed as soon as reasonably possible;

• regular contact will be maintained to support learning and wellbeing;

• parents are asked to:

  • inform school if their child is too unwell to complete work,

  • support their child to engage with learning where possible,

  • contact school if they are experiencing difficulties.

All communication will take place within normal school hours.

Safeguarding and online safety

Safeguarding remains a priority during any period of remote education.

• All remote education follows our Child Protection and Online Safety policies.

• Staff use school-approved systems and communication methods only.

• Any safeguarding concerns arising during remote education are reported and followed up in line with school procedures.

Parents are encouraged to ensure appropriate supervision, parental controls and safe internet use at home.

Monitoring and review

The Headteacher, SENCO and DSL monitor the use of remote education where it is in place and review its effectiveness.

Our Remote Education Policy is reviewed annually by the Governing Body, or sooner if statutory guidance changes.

Key message for families

Remote education is provided to support learning when attendance is temporarily not possible, but it does not replace the value of being in school. Our priority is always to welcome pupils back into the classroom as soon as it is appropriate to do so.