Cuerden Church School is committed to providing a high-quality, ambitious education for all pupils. Attendance at school is essential and is the best way for pupils to benefit from the full range of educational, social and pastoral opportunities we provide.

Remote education is not an alternative to attending school. In line with Department for Education guidance, we will consider remote education only where a pupil is unable to attend school and providing education remotely is appropriate. Our priority will always be to identify and address barriers to attendance and support pupils to return to school wherever possible.

Where remote education is necessary, it will be used to help pupils maintain continuity in their learning and remain connected with their school and teachers.

Our remote education provision

Where appropriate, teachers will provide learning that is aligned with the school's curriculum and reflects the knowledge, skills and learning objectives being taught in school.

Depending on the circumstances and the age and needs of pupils, remote education may include:

• appropriately sequenced learning activities
• teacher explanations and instructional materials
• reading, writing and mathematics activities
• independent practice and consolidation
• online educational resources
• practical, creative and physical activities
• opportunities for pupils to submit work and receive feedback.

Remote learning will be planned so that pupils can continue to make progress and revisit and consolidate important knowledge. Activities will be appropriate to pupils' age, stage of learning and individual circumstances.
 

SEND and individual needs

We recognise that pupils have different needs, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  Where a pupil with SEND is accessing education remotely, we will consider reasonable adjustments, appropriate adaptations and the support outlined in the pupil's individual provision. We will work with parents and carers and, where appropriate, relevant professionals to reduce barriers to learning.

We will also consider the needs of disadvantaged pupils and pupils who may face additional barriers to accessing education.

Attendance

Remote education does not change the school's attendance responsibilities.  Where a pupil is absent from school but receives remote education, the pupil will still be recorded as absent in accordance with the statutory attendance requirements. Remote education will not be used as a reason to record a pupil as attending school when they are not physically present.

Safeguarding and online safety

The safeguarding and welfare of pupils remain central to our remote education arrangements.  The school's safeguarding procedures continue to apply when pupils are learning remotely. Staff will follow the school's safeguarding and child protection policy, staff code of conduct and online-safety procedures. Any safeguarding concern arising during remote education will be dealt with in accordance with the school's established safeguarding procedures. Staff delivering remote education will maintain appropriate professional boundaries and use school-approved systems and platforms.

Data protection and acceptable use

The school will use appropriate, school-approved technology and systems when providing remote education.  Pupils, parents, carers and staff are expected to follow the school's acceptable-use and online-safety requirements.

Monitoring and feedback

Teachers will use appropriate methods to monitor pupils' engagement and learning where remote education is provided.  Feedback will be provided where appropriate and will be proportionate to the work set. Teachers may use pupils' completed work and engagement to identify misconceptions, provide support and inform subsequent teaching.  Remote education will be reviewed by school leaders to ensure that it remains appropriately aligned with the curriculum and meets the needs of pupils.

Curriculum and quality of education

Our remote education provision forms part of our wider curriculum and is designed to support continuity of learning rather than operate as a separate curriculum.  School leaders will ensure, as far as reasonably possible, that remote education is well designed, appropriately sequenced and integrated with the school's curriculum.  Where remote education is used, the school will consider its effectiveness and make improvements where necessary.