Remote Learning

We hope that school is open for every day that it is scheduled to open however we are aware that there could be extreme circumstances which force school closure. This could be for a short time for example in the event of adverse weather or for a circumstance beyond our control when a longer closure is either advised or required.  In the event of a school closure, Pennyhill is committed to providing continuity of education to its pupils and will do so through a process of remote (off site) learning.

Extensive remote learning would only apply in a situation in which the school is closed for an extended period of time, but a high proportion of pupils and teachers are healthy, and able to work as normal from home. The Senior Leadership Team will discuss and agree if the closure will be deemed stage 1 or stage 2. In some circumstances the closure may start as stage 1 and move on to stage 2.

This policy does normally apply in the event short-term learner absence.  There is no obligation for the school to provide continuity of education to pupils who are absent themselves from school, with or without parental permission, in breach of school or government guidance. This may apply, for example, if parents choose to take pupils on holiday during term time. Similarly, this would apply if parents made the decision, without prior agreement with the school, to absent their child from school ‘as a precaution’, against official guidance, in the event of an outbreak of infectious disease.

When providing remote education we will ensure the following overarching principles and practices are adhered to:

On occasion, the school may be forced to close for a day or two due to inclement weather, for example.

If the school needs to close in an emergency for any reason, home learning challenges will be set for the children to access on the first day of closure.  These will be based on reading, writing and maths and will be easily accessible for families at home.  There will also be some generic, fun activities the children can complete with family members.

Teachers will then use the first day of school closure to plan more pertinent activities for their class to access from day two.

Teachers will

Senior Leaders will

Child expectations

Parent expectations

In event of a school closure, the primary responsibility for the pastoral care of a pupil rests with their parents /carers. However, teachers (under the guidance of the Senior Leadership Team) will check in weekly to monitor both academic progress and their general wellbeing. Teachers will be expected to pass on feedback to Senior Leadership Team, particularly if there are concerns or a lack of communication.

Teachers will maintain records of pupil engagement and feedback provided and will follow up with families promptly if pupils do not engage for two consecutive days.

In the event of a school closure, pupils, parents, carers and teachers are reminded that the school’s child protection and safeguarding policy still applies to all interactions between pupils and teachers. In that policy, there are specifically prohibited behaviours and reporting obligations to which teachers must adhere, whether they are at home, in the community or at school.

Teachers and staff must report any safeguarding concerns arising from remote learning promptly through the usual school safeguarding channels.

For stage 2 closures we will ensure that pupils with limited or no access to appropriate technology are supported through loan devices, printed materials, or alternative arrangements as necessary.

We will provide regular updates to parents/carers about the length of the closure, remote learning expectations, available resources, and wellbeing support via text, newsletters, the school website, Twitter and the Marvellous Me App.