Our remote teaching is provided via Google Classroom (KS1/KS2) and ClassDojo (EYFS). Through daily teaching videos,  teachers follow a curriculum sequence that mirrors that which children would follow had they been in school. Teaching videos for each lesson provide frequent, clear explanations of new content. Teachers are available throughout the school day via Google Classroom and ClassDojo to answer questions and give further support if required.

Children are set daily assignments that are meaningful and ambitious in a range of subject areas in order to maintain a broad and balanced curriculum. The children upload completed work via Google Classroom/Class Dojo. Constructive, individual  feedback is provided by teachers on a daily basis, in addition to recognition of effort. 

Children are provided with access to online reading books which follow the same progression as those in school.  Packs of ‘real’ books are provided to children where required; these are changed regularly to ensure that no child is without reading material.  Parents of younger, emerging readers send teachers weekly videos of their child reading to enable teachers to continue to monitor progress and offer support where required.  Any child who does not have remote access will be provided with a school device to ensure that no child is left without support. 

Video lessons have multiple benefits, including the facility for parents and children to pause and repeat in order to ensure understanding or revisit at a later stage due to a lapse in concentration.   If required, children and parents can access support from the teacher, through ClassDojo/Google Classroom, during the activity.  Video lessons also provide families with the flexibility to move timings to suit their own schedules.  

In addition to academic teaching, children have the opportunity to maintain a sense of community and belonging, through regular live assemblies and class time via Zoom.  

Where children need additional support, extra intervention calls are made by relevant staff. Our staff are fully prepared to move to remote teaching at short notice – for class/year group bubble closures or full lockdowns. Children know how to log into Google Classroom and use the platform, but if you would like any support, please see the YouTube video below or contact Mr Shaw, Headteacher via admin@belsay-school.uk .