Remote Education and Learning – Shirebrook Academy

1. Introduction

Shirebrook Academy is committed to ensuring that all students continue to receive a high-quality education in circumstances where they are unable to attend school in person. Remote education enables students to maintain continuity in their learning and make sustained progress within the curriculum when attendance at school is not possible.

In delivering remote education, Shirebrook Academy will ensure that provision aligns with guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding the delivery of high-quality remote learning. The DfE emphasises that face-to-face attendance should always be prioritised, and remote education should only be implemented where attendance at school is not possible.

Where remote education is required, the academy will follow the principles of effective learning and teaching set out in national guidance. Remote learning will reflect the same ambition and expectations as classroom teaching, ensuring that students continue to access a broad and balanced curriculum.

Wherever possible, remote education will follow the same curriculum that is taught in school. Learning will be carefully sequenced so that students continue to develop their knowledge and skills in line with curriculum expectations. Teachers will ensure that learning remains purposeful, well-structured, and appropriately challenging; maintaining the high standards expected in classroom teaching.

2. Definitions of Remote Education

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

Remote education
A broad term referring to any learning that takes place outside the classroom where the teacher and students are not physically present in the same location.

Online remote education
Learning delivered through digital platforms or online systems, allowing students to access lessons, resources, and tasks remotely.

Blended learning
A combination of face-to-face teaching and remote learning methods, ensuring continuity of learning both within and outside the classroom.

3. Circumstances Where Remote Education May Be Used

Remote education at Shirebrook Academy may be implemented in a range of circumstances where students are unable to attend school in person. These may include, but are not limited to, the following situations:

• Whole-school remote learning, for example where the academy is required to close to students due to exceptional circumstances. In such cases, remote education will be provided to ensure continuity of learning across all year groups.

• Partial remote learning, where a class, year group, or defined group of students are unable to attend school. In these circumstances, remote education will enable affected students to continue accessing the curriculum and maintain progress in their learning.

• Individual remote learning, where a student is unable to attend school due to illness, self-isolation, or other exceptional circumstances. Appropriate learning resources will be provided to support the student in keeping up with their studies during their absence.

• Remote learning during a suspension, where a student may be directed to complete remote learning tasks during the period of suspension. This is intended to support the continuation of learning and minimise disruption to the student’s education. Students will be expected to engage with the work set and may be required to provide evidence of completed work at a reintegration or readmission meeting upon their return to school.

4. Whole-School Remote Education

If the academy is required to close to students, a full remote learning programme will be implemented.

Students will access their lessons and learning resources through the academy’s digital learning systems and online platforms. Teachers will provide structured learning activities aligned with the curriculum and, where appropriate, mirror the structure of the normal school timetable.

Teachers will ensure that:

• Learning activities are clearly explained and accessible.
• Resources are appropriate for independent study.
• Students are able to receive feedback on completed work.

5. Partial Remote Education

In situations where a particular class or year group is unable to attend school, remote learning will be provided for those students.

Learning materials, tasks, and guidance will be uploaded to the academy’s digital learning platforms. This will enable students to follow their curriculum and maintain continuity in their learning.

Teaching staff will monitor student engagement and provide feedback where appropriate.

6. Individual or Small-Group Remote Education

Where individual students are unable to attend school for specific reasons, the academy will provide appropriate resources to enable them to keep up with their studies.

These resources may include:

• Lesson materials
• Online learning activities
• Independent study tasks
• Access to digital learning platforms used by the academy

The aim is to ensure that students remain connected to their curriculum and can reintegrate into lessons smoothly upon their return to school.

7. Education Provision During Suspension

Shirebrook Academy recognises its responsibility to ensure that students continue to access appropriate educational provision during periods of suspension. Where appropriate, students may be directed to complete remote learning tasks to support continuity in their education.

The academy will ensure that all arrangements are consistent with Department for Education guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions, whilst continuing to prioritise the safeguarding, wellbeing, and educational progress of the student.

8. Online Learning Platforms

To support remote education, Shirebrook Academy uses a range of recognised digital learning platforms that provide structured, curriculum-aligned learning opportunities. These platforms enable students to access learning materials, complete tasks, and reinforce key knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.

Mathematics

Students may be directed to complete work using Sparx Maths, an online learning platform that provides personalised mathematics practice and homework tasks designed to reinforce key concepts and develop mathematical fluency.

https://sparxmaths.com/

English (Eduqas:Language and Literature)

Students may use Seneca Learning, which provides structured revision materials, quizzes, and interactive learning resources to support the development of knowledge and understanding in English Language and English Literature.

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

Science

Students may use Tassomai, an adaptive learning platform designed to support the retention of key scientific knowledge through regular practice, retrieval, and spaced learning.

https://www.tassomai.com/

Virtual Learning Environment

Shirebrook Academy uses Google Classroom as its primary digital learning platform. Teachers may use Google Classroom to:

• Share lesson materials and learning resources
• Set assignments and tasks
• Provide feedback on completed work
• Communicate learning instructions and guidance

Google Classroom supports the organisation and delivery of remote learning and ensures students can access their work from home when required.

https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_uk/workspace-for-education/products/classroom/

Teachers may also provide additional resources and guidance through these platforms to support students in completing their learning activities during periods of remote education.

9. Expectations for Students

Students participating in remote education are expected to:

• Engage fully with the learning activities set by their teachers.
• Complete tasks within the expected timeframe.
• Communicate with staff where support is required.
• Maintain appropriate behaviour and digital conduct whilst using online platforms or video calling systems.
• Bring and present evidence of any work completed during the suspension period at the readmission meeting.

Students should approach remote learning with the same level of commitment and responsibility as they would when attending school.

10. Supporting Students with Additional Needs

Shirebrook Academy recognises that some students may require additional support when accessing remote education.

Where appropriate, adjustments will be made to ensure that students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or other additional needs are able to access learning materials effectively.

This may include differentiated resources, additional guidance, or alternative approaches to completing work.

11. Further Information

For further information regarding remote education at Shirebrook Academy, parents and carers are encouraged to email the academy’s email enquiry contact if they encounter any issues, problems or have any questions that they wish to ask regarding our remote learning provision.

Email:
enquiries@shirebrookacademy.org