Remote Learning at Willowcroft Community School

At Willowcroft we have refined our remote learning approach to support children in continuing their learning journey at home should circumstances require them to do so. This information is intended to provide clarity and transparency to pupils and parents or carers about what to expect from remote education if restrictions require entire cohorts (or bubbles) to remain at home.

We have taken a tiered approach to remote learning in order to be able to respond immediately and with relevant learning for children who may have to miss school due to self-isolation. 

Our Specific Aims:

To ensure consistency in the school’s approach to remote learning.

To outline our approach for pupils who will not be attending school, as a result of government guidance or the closure of a class bubble.

Set out expectations for all members of the school community with regards to remote learning that conforms to our safeguarding procedures.

Provide appropriate guidelines for data protection

Who is the plan applicable to?

This plan sets out the expectations for pupils, staff and families in the event that a member/members of our school community need to self-isolate – in line with government guidance or if instructed by NHS Track & Trace.

The governors and senior leadership team at Willowcroft are fully aware that these are exceptional times and because each family is unique; they will approach remote learning in a way which suits their individual situation. We realise that circumstances that cause our school to close will affect families in a number of ways. In our planning and expectations, we are aware of the need to be flexible from all sides. We understand that:

• Parents may be   trying  to  work  from  home  so  access to  technology and supervision available to children may  be  limited;

Parents may have two or more children trying to access technology and feel the need to prioritise the needs of young people studying towards GCSE/A Level exams.

Remote Learning plan

The remote learning provision will differ depending on whether an individual is isolating or whether it is a whole bubble or more. Our aim is to ensure that children remain engaged in their learning and retain a connection to the pastoral support that school offers. To read the policy in full, click the link at the bottom of the page.

Class Dojo

Class teachers will continue to use Class Dojo to communicate messages to parents.  Parents can also use Class Dojo to communicate with teachers.  However, when teachers are in class, they will not be able to reply to messages until the teaching day has ended.  Any urgent messages from parents must be passed directly to the office by email or phone. 

In rightful consideration of staff well-being, teaching staff are not expected to reply to messages via email or Class Dojo during the weekends, holiday periods or after they have completed their work in the evenings.

Helpful websites 

Oak Academy https://classroom.thenational.academy/

TT Rockstars https://ttrockstars.com/

BBC Bitesize www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize