Remote Education

Attendance at school is essential for pupils’ education, wellbeing and wider development. Remote education is not an alternative to attending school and will only be considered as a last resort when attendance is not possible but a pupil is well enough to continue learning.

Remote education may be considered:

• if the school has to close temporarily or restrict attendance and pupils cannot be taught safely on site;
• in limited individual circumstances when a pupil is unable to attend school but is well enough to learn;
• as part of an agreed, short-term plan to support a pupil’s return to school.

Remote education would not normally be provided for routine, short-term illness when a child is not well enough to learn.

What families can expect

Where remote education is appropriate, Sidlesham Primary School will:

• provide meaningful work linked, where possible, to the curriculum being taught in school;
• ensure that learning is suitable for the pupil’s age, ability and individual needs;
• provide a mixture of appropriate activities, which may include online resources, recorded teaching, independent work and printed materials;
• provide opportunities for appropriate contact, feedback and support;
• consider any barriers involving access to devices, internet connectivity or the pupil’s home circumstances;
• make reasonable adjustments and provide suitable support for pupils with SEND;
• maintain appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

The precise provision will depend on the pupil’s age, needs, circumstances and the expected length of absence. Arrangements will be discussed with parents and carers and reviewed regularly, with the aim of supporting the pupil’s return to school as soon as possible.

Parents and carers should contact the school office if they believe their child may require remote education. Decisions will be made by the school on a case-by-case basis and, where appropriate, in consultation with relevant professionals or the local authority.

Department for Education guidance:
Providing remote education: guidance for schools