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Tel No. 057 8648334 Scoil Bhríde,

Roll No. 20118L Cluain na Slí,

email. clonasleens@ Co. Laoise. Website: clonasleens.ie

Principal: John O’Sullivan DeputyPrincipal: Siobhán O’Donoghue Assistant Principal: Deirdre Molloy

School Policy

Remote Teaching & Learning

.A. Introduction

In response to this time of uncertainty regarding school closures caused by the ongoing Covid 19 Pandemic, we have formulated this policy to outline how the school will maintain the link between school and home. In the event of another whole or partial school closure, we aim to continue to communicate with our parents/pupils through various means.

We recognise that online safety is of huge importance and the aim of this document is to help to protect both school staff and pupils, while teaching and learning online.

This policy does not set out to replace our Mobile Phone or ICT Acceptable Usage Policy. Rather, it is proposed as an important addition to the area of learning remotely and from a digital platform. The policy presented here should be read also in tandem with our school’s Code of Positive Behaviour & Discipline and our Anti-Bullying (including Cyber Bullying) Policy.

The primary obligation of all schools is to the welfare of the learners in their school. This policy, therefore, seeks to ensure that Remote Learning is safe for all pupil learners and that personal and sensitive data is also protected under GDPR legislation. We will ensure that learning takes place in an environment that is respectful and fair and meets the school’s own statutory duties.

This Policy has been formulated in accordance with the provisions of the Department of Education and relevant sections of:

a) The Education Act (1998)

b) Education (Welfare) Act (2000)

c) Equal Status Act (2000)

d) Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (2004)

e) Disability Act (2005)

f) Children First Act (2017)

g) GDPR

h) Data Protection Act (2018)

i) Department of Education: Child Protection Procedures for Primary schools

j) NEWB Guidelines for Developing a Code of Behaviour (2008).

k) DES Guidance on Continuity of Schooling for Primary Schools (May 2020)

l) DES Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting Primary Pupils at very High Risk to Covid 19 (August 2020).

m) Guidance on Remote Learning in a COVID-19 Context: September – December 2020

This is a working document. As we continue to explore options available to support distance/remote learning, the document will be updated accordingly and in line with prevailing DES/HSE protocols.

.B. Context and Rationale

Teaching and Learning is always evolving,-especially, as we move deeper into the 21st century. Developments in IT provide us all with great opportunities as learners and teachers. Never before has there been greater scope to learn using technology and it continues to change the learning relationship between teachers and students. Advances in technology mean that assignments can be delivered remotely and that greater access to information on the internet affords the opportunities for real and engaging learning to take place under the watchful and professional guidance of the teacher. However, whether a child is being directed remotely or via a traditional classroom environment, it is very important that all partners are aware that once a learning exchange takes place between a pupil and teacher, whether at home or school, the same statutory rules apply i.e. the school’s Code of Positive Behaviour & Discipline and all of the school’s usual policies apply.

We recognise that online/distance collaboration is essential for remote learning and that all are in favour of increased opportunities to maintain the connection between school and home. Scoil Bhríde Cluain na Slí uses a variety of child friendly, online tools, which assist in providing more effective teaching and learning, while also enabling greater communication between staff, families and pupils.

Our SBC Remote Teaching & Learning Plan is based on a blended approach which includes a combination of Teacher-assigned Weekly/Daily Work Menus and also pre-recorded lessons, short videos, voice recordings etc via platforms such as Seesaw and Class Dojo. The use of Zoom may be used by Teachers at their own discretion, wherever it is deemed by them to be appropriate and possible.

In all matters relating to the delivery of Remote Teaching & Learning at SBC, the Board of Management defers to the professional knowledge and expertise of the Principal and staff.

.C. Aims of the SBC Remote Learning Plan

i) Our staff shall endeavour to provide the best possible learning experience for all/any pupil(s) learning remotely due to the circumstances forced upon us by the current pandemic.

ii) We are committed to providing a blend of both guided and independent learning tasks/experiences which include a combination of Teacher-assigned Weekly/Daily Work Menus and also pre-recorded lessons, short videos, voice recordings etc. We may also use Zoom Calls wherever appropriate/possible to provide live/up to date information and/or direction to parents/pupils.

iii) At SBC, we fully recognise that a collaborative approach between School/Staff/Parents/Pupils is essential to ensure the success of any Remote/Distance Learning Plan. We are in favour of promoting increased opportunities to maintain and improve regular/daily connection between School/Staff/Parents/Pupils during these difficult times. We propose to use a variety of child-friendly, online tools/platforms to assist in providing the most effective Teaching & Learning experience possible, whilst also enabling greater communication between our School/Staff/Parents/Pupils.

iv) Teachers will endeavour to choose appropriate and engaging learning tasks/opportunities for their pupils and provide a platform for them to demonstrate/submit their learning clearly,- thereby affording two-way feedback between Teachers and the home. Correcting and commenting on assigned tasks will help maintain levels of motivation in our pupils.

v) Teachers will be conscious of developing new skills in their pupils eg self/time management; organisation skills; IT skills; independence etc

vi) We will make every effort possible to organise the safe delivery or collection of essential texts and materials as decided by Teachers.

vii) SBC will specifically focus on provision for our most vulnerable SEN pupils and to prepare for partial re-opening for an identified group of such children if instructed to do so by the DES.

viii) We seek to insure that Remote Learning at SBC is safe for all our pupil learners and that personal/sensitive data is protected under GDPR legislation. At SBC we make every effort to ensure that all learning takes place in an environment that is respectful/fair and meets our statutory obligations.

ix) To promote a sense of well-being and mindfulness among our pupils and to provide support/re-assurance for those that may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the current circumstances.

x) To regularly remind everybody of their own individual responsibilities in carrying out the most basic Covid-19 Preventative Measures such as hand – hygiene/sanitisation, mask wearing, social distancing, coughing/sneezing etiquette etc.

.D. Guidelines for Good Remote/Online Communication at SBC

1. Staff, families and pupils are expected to behave in an appropriate, safe, respectful and kind manner online and adhere to the guidelines and protocols circulated to all members of the school community via Aladdin, text and eMail etc.

2. Under no circumstances should pictures or recordings be taken of any video calls.

3. It is the duty of parents/guardians to supervise children while they are working online and to ensure that any content submitted to their teacher is appropriate.

4. Staff members will communicate with pupils and their families via their own choice from platforms such as Google Classroom, Google Meet, Aladdin Connect, WhatsApp, Zoom, Teacher eMail and our own School e-mail. Other established apps (e.g. Seesaw) may be used if and when deemed suitable by the teacher. Pupils and staff will communicate only using tools which have been approved by the school and of which parents have been notified.

5. Any electronic forms of communication will be for educational purposes only and to allow for communication with families.

6. Parental permission will be acquired before setting up a profile for a pupil on a communication forum.

7. Pupils will only be invited to a Zoom Call once the circulated guidelines and protocols are accepted by their parents. Once the initial Zoom Call Permission has been obtained, such parental permission is implied for all further calls. As the link to a video call will be communicated via the parent/guardian’s email address, essentially, by virtue of the pupil logging on to the call, permission is assumed.

8. For security reasons, passwords will be provided to families, where applicable.

9. Scoil Bhríde, Cluain na Slí cannot accept responsibility for the security of online platforms, in the event that they are compromised.

.E. Examples of Online Media which will be Primarily used by the School

Staff at SBC use a variety of online platforms for communicating/connecting with families and pupils. Teachers will communicate with parents/guardians and pupils, via their own professional email (and vice-versa). Parental queries will be addressed during school hours only. (9:20am-3:00pm) and should relate strictly to the child’s teaching and learning.

i) Seesaw: This is a school communication platform used to share what is being learned in school or at home. Parental consent is required prior to using this app. This consent is implied by the parents connecting to the app. Each parent will be assigned an individual access code. Some lessons may be pre-recorded and uploaded to Seesaw. The teachers can share videos, photos, messages, workload, etc. via the journal (all parents can see) or via the inbox (private to each parent). The parents can share work with the teacher via the inbox.

ii) Seesaw Class App: There is an additional feature on the Seesaw Class App which allows pupils to connect to a personal folder and they then have the option of uploading items to this folder for teacher to see. Each child would be allocated an individual access code. The teacher can assign activities to each child’s folder.

iii) ClassDojo: Class Dojo is a school communication platform currently used to share what’s being learned in the classroom and home through photos, videos, drawings and messages. Parents need to sign up for this. Teachers can send direct messages to families, share lessons or announcements, and assign classwork to students. The pupils can respond from home via video, photo, journal entry, or drawing and the teacher can give feedback in return. 

iv) Zoom: Zoom is a cloud-based video-conferencing service which our staff may use to virtually meet with their parents/pupils, either by video or audio only or both. All Zoom meetings/calls will be scheduled for a time and date that suits both the staff and the pupils/parents they assist.

PDST supports the use of Zoom Meetings/Calls when the following procedures are in place and are agreed with parents:…..

• Password  Protected Invite and password changed for each meeting/call

• No screen- share enabled except for host.

• Waiting Room where children are admitted individually. (this may need the addition of other adults/Staff as co-hosts, checking names carefully against a Class List)

• Zoom Invite issued to parents on the day before the meeting/call.

At SBC, we consider it a pre-requisite of any Zoom Meeting/Call that a parent/guardian is in the child’s presence throughout the contact.

v) Google Classroom: Google Classroom is an online platform enables pupils to connect to their folder of work and it also allows access to their teacher when required. The Class Teacher may provide feedback and communicate with pupils via Google Classroom. Lessons can be pre-recorded and uploaded on Google Classroom. Parental consent is required prior to using this app.

Note: The school BOM urges caution when using any interactive online platform with particular reference to the following: ……..

➢ Accessibility to IT Equipment

➢ Connectivity

➢ GDPR and Data Protection

➢ Child Protection

➢ Security

.F. Rules for Pupils using Online Communication Methods.

For Submitting Learning:

a) Submit work and pictures that are appropriate - have an adult take a look at the work before it is submitted.

b) Use kind and friendly words.

For Zoom Calls/Meetings:

a) Remember to ensure you join each Zoom Call/Meeting using your family name.

b) Pictures or recordings of the video call are not allowed.

c) Remember our school rules - they are still in place, even online.

d) Set up your device in a quiet space, with no distractions in the background.

e) Join the video with your microphone muted.

f) Raise your hand before speaking, just like you would do in class.

g) If you have the chance to talk, speak in your normal voice, using kind and friendly words.

h) Show respect by listening to others while they are speaking.

i) Ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the video call.

j) Be on time - set a reminder if it helps.

k) Enjoy! Don’t forget to wave hello to everyone when you join!

l) Make sure to have adult supervision organised.

.G. Guidelines for Parents and Guardians in relation to Pupils working Online.

i) For learning

a) It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that pupils are supervised while they work online.

b) Check over the work which pupils send to their teacher, ensuring it is appropriate.

c) Continue to revise online safety measures with pupils.

Zoom Calls/Meetings

a) The main purpose of a Zoom Call is to engage in and direct remote/online learning activities while maintaining a social connection between the school staff and pupils/parents. Encourage pupils to listen and enjoy the experience.

b) Ensure that the school has the correct email address for inviting you to join apps and meetings.

c) Under no circumstances should pictures or recordings be taken of video calls.

d) Be aware that when participating in group video calls, you can be seen and heard unless you are muted or have disabled your camera.

e) You will automatically enter a waiting room when the code for a Zoom call has been entered. Please note that school staff will only accept users into a video call if you can be identified by the display name on your zoom account. (ie Family Name)

f) Please ensure that you and your child are on time for the scheduled video call, or you may be locked out. Please request to join the Zoom call approximately five minutes before the scheduled start time. This will give school staff time to verity your email address.

g) Make sure to familiarise your child with the software in advance. For video calls in particular, show them how to mute/unmute and turn the camera on/off.

h) Participants in the call should be dressed appropriately.

i) An appropriate background/room should be chosen for the video call.

j) For detailed information on GDPR and Zoom, please visit .

k) It is necessary for a parent/guardian to be present and supervise his/her child throughout the duration of a Zoom Call/Meeting.

Any breach of the above guidelines will result in a discontinuation of this method of communication. It may also result in a person being immediately removed from a meeting or a meeting being terminated.

.H. Remote Teaching & Learning Protocols for Pupils

Teaching and Learning best practice will continue to apply, with pupils expected to present all assignments to the best of their ability and on time, where possible in this evolving and unprecedented situation.

• In so far as possible, provision for SEN pupils will be made when using Remote Learning Methodologies.

• In so far as possible, provision for pupils at very high-risk to Covid 19 will be made when using Remote Learning Methodologies.

a) Check assigned work each school day

b) Communication may only take place during normal school hours

c) The normal school calendar will apply

d) The following school policies apply to Remote Teaching & Learning:

• School Code of Positive Behaviour & Discipline

• Anti- Bullying Policy/Anti Cyber-Bullying Policy

• ICT Acceptable Use Policy

• GDPR and Data Protection Policy

• Child Protection Policy

• Internet Acceptable Use Policy

e) Pupils are expected to:……

• Co-operate with Teachers and Parents

• Work hard, do what they can and do their best

• Follow Teacher/Class Weekly/Daily Work Menus

• Make sure work is submitted to Teacher when it’s done.

.I. Remote Teaching & Learning Protocols for Parents

The health and well-being of all is paramount. Circumstances may change for any of us unexpectedly (Staff, Pupils and Parents), so please keep schooling in perspective and do not allow anything school-related to impinge on your child negatively. We encourage a manageable amount of work every weekday. (as per Teacher/Class Weekly/Daily Work Menus) for routine. We provide work and guidance and all we ask is that pupils/parents simply do their best.

It is the Parents’ Responsibility:………

• To ensure protocols for students are adhered to.

• To check-in on their child’s school- work on a daily basis and to talk to their child about the work being assigned.

• To provide the time and space to support their child/children so that they can engage, complete and return the work that the teacher has set.

• To support the development of the child/children’s reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

• To encourage the development of the child/children’s number skills.

• Student use of web-based tools is for educational purposes only and at the direction of a teacher and under the supervision of a parent/guardian. Please supervise your child/children during any online activity.

• To keep in touch with your child’s teacher and to respond to any messages sent to you. Communication may only take place during normal school hours.

.J. Remote Teaching & Learning Protocols for Teachers and SNAs

Communication will only take place during normal school hours (unless otherwise agreed with the Teacher/SNA.) Teaching & Learning Best Practice will continue to apply with pupils expected to present all assignments on time and to the best of their ability. Relevant feedback will be provided by Class Teacher/SET/SNA as appropriate on an ongoing basis. Staff have made considerable efforts to develop their skills to provide for remote learning situations. During such times, it is the responsibility of the Staff to:…………

• Provide Weekly/Daily Work Menus

• Arrange for the safe distribution/collection of essential texts and materials.

• Motivate and engage pupils

• Check uploaded work each day

• Facilitate the further development of reading and writing skills

• Develop number skills

• Provide opportunities for students to practice listening and speaking skills

• Develop children’s creativity

• Provide a variety of ways in which pupils can demonstrate learning

The following School Policies apply to Remote Teaching & Learning:……….

• Child Protection Policy

• Data Protection and GDPR Policy

• Staff ICT Acceptable Use Policy

.K. Remote Teaching & Learning Provision specifically for the following Covid 19 related scenarios

Provision for Children who are at Very High Risk to Covid 19:

The school will engage directly with relevant parents, regarding remote educational provision for children who are deemed to be at Very High Risk to Covid-19 (see HSE Guidelines) where medical certification has been provided to the school.

Provision for all other children who are instructed to self-isolate or restrict their movements by their GP or HSE Public Health, educational provision will be provided as follows:

1. Children who are awaiting Covid 19 Test Results for themselves or a family member and have been instructed by their GP to isolate at home for a few days.

These pupils will be supported to catch up on their learning on their return to school. If a staff member feels a particular child might be in need of additional support for a particular reason, an arrangement specific to that child may be put in place.

2. Children isolating at home on instruction from their GP due to a confirmed case within their own family/close contact outside of school (14-day isolation period).

Throughout the isolation period, Class Teacher will link in with the pupil via Seesaw/Class Dojo, e-mail and/or by phone to update the child, offer motivation/social interaction and give feedback on work submitted.

Arrangements can be made for books required at home to be collected from the school.

If the pupil isolating is receiving Learning Support, the Special Education Teacher may assign and correct work sent electronically in collaboration with the Class Teacher. The SET may link in with the pupil via Seesaw/Class Dojo, e-mail and/or by phone. Such to be decided in consultation/collaboration with the Class Teacher.

Children receiving SNA support will be offered regular contact from their SNA who will provide assistance/encouragement and offer a further social contact with the school.

3. a) School POD (group of six) instructed by HSE Pubic Health to self-isolate. Teacher in school.

As above (#2)

b) School POD (group of six) instructed by HSE Pubic Health to self-isolate/Teacher isolating.

Where the Teacher is self-isolating also, he/she will prepare the work for the pod using Seesaw/Class Dojo. They will check in with the pod on a daily basis to offer social contact and motivation. A Substitute Teacher will teach the remaining pod groups within the class. Class Teacher will remain in contact with the Substitute to make sure his/her plans are being followed appropriately.

c) Where the teacher at home is on sick leave

The Special Education Team will provide the instructional activities for the pod using the time allocated to the class in question.

4. School bubble (whole class) instructed by HSE Public Health to self-isolate (14 day isolation period).

The Class Teacher will be required to provide remote/distance teaching to all the pupils in the class using the school’s digital platforms or other agreed methods as needed.

Children receiving SNA support will be offered regular contact from their SNA who will provide encouragement/ assistance and offer a further social contact with the school.

5. Whole school closure as instructed by HSE Public Health (duration of closure will be advised by Public Health)

Teachers will engage with pupils, using a blended approach of pre-recorded lessons, Seesaw, Class Dojo and Zoom. A timetable for Zoom may be furnished to prevent any overlap in the use of devices and to facilitate all family members accessing a device when needed.

Where pupils are in receipt of Learning Support, the Special Education Teacher will assign and correct work sent electronically in collaboration with the Class Teacher. The SET will link in with the pupil via methods outlined above.

Children receiving SNA support will be offered regular contact from their SNA who will provide assistance/encouragement and offer a further social contact with the school.

6. A Teacher/number of Teachers in the school are advised to self-isolate or restrict their movements

If the Teacher’s class group is still attending school, a Substitute Teacher will be sought to cover that teacher’s teaching responsibilities in the school for the period in question. The teacher restricting his/her movements will support the work of the school in developing and delivering its programmes of teaching and learning for pupils as per Section 12 of Circular 0049/2020

Notes

i) To ensure that progress made is not lost, SBC will continue to offer support to those pupils who had previously been absent for quite some time, but were recently transitioning back to school.

ii) The current situation is quite fluid and these circumstances may vary throughout the year.

.L. Summary:

1. The entire school community is advised to keep abreast of postings on the School Website and messages sent by TextaParent and/or email,-these are our main mode of communication going forward.

2. Be guided by the work set by your child’s Teacher(s). Families are only expected to do what they can, given their own particular set of circumstances. We place great value on talking to your child and reading for them/with them as well as encouraging them to read independently.

3. There will be no school-work set for planned school closures/holidays. There will be no interaction on Seesaw, Class Dojo, Zoom during these times.

4. We ask parents/guardians, pupils and teachers to ensure protocols are adhered to at all times.

5. If you have yet to connect to any of the on-line platforms , please do so. If you are experiencing difficulties please email the school and we will assist you in any way that we can. Please contact the school with any further queries you may have.

We thank the school community for adhering to the above guidelines for everyone’s safety and welfare.

This plan was ratified by the BOM of Scoil Bhríde, Cluain na Slí at its meeting held on 28/9/’20

and is subject to change, in light of any guidance or instruction received from the Department of Education and Skills/HSE Public Health.

Signed: __________________________ Date: ____________

(Chairperson BOM)

Signed: _____________________________ Date: ______________

(Principal)

Tel No. 057 8648334 Scoil Bhríde,

Roll No. 20118L Cluain na Slí,

email. clonasleens@ Co. Laoise. Website: clonasleens.ie

Principal: John O’Sullivan DeputyPrincipal: Siobhán O’Donoghue Assistant Principal: Deirdre Molloy

School Policy

Remote Teaching & Learning

Appendix .1. Recommended TV, Websites and Apps

• In addition to a pared back plan of work for your child, we suggest that you tune into RTE 2 Home-School Hub and/or TG4 Cúla 4 Ar Scoil each morning (10am Start)

• The following Websites/Apps might also prove helpful in keeping your child(ren) motivated and busy at this time.

1) Mathletics (SBC Pupils 1st to 6th Class are already subscribed)

2) Cúla 4: Excellent for younger pupils for Irish vocab – very child friendly. There are also videos of your children’s favourite cartoons here as Gaeilge which would be useful to watch occasionally to keep up with Irish.

3) Doulingo: most suitable from 2nd class upwards. Excellent app. Tests your child’s Irish ability level at the start and they work away at their own level for 10mins daily.

4) Mathduel: For tables. Fun and interactive.

5) Khan Academy: Useful for maths for older pupils especially.

6) Khan Kids: Maths for younger pupils.

7) Top Marks: Maths

8) Starfall: For spellings. Again, very child friendly and useful to keep spellings progressing without feeling like schoolwork.

9) Freerice: For vocabulary development

10) Jolly Phonics App: to keep up phonics learning for Infant Classes.

11) Dolch Words Apps (there is a wide range available): for the development of sight words.

12) Toontastic: probably the best app ever for digital storytelling – pupils can devise their own digital story, picking a range of characters, settings, even musical background. They plan a beginning, middle and end to their story and can record their own voices to tell the story.

13) PinkFong: Digital stories for Infant Classes. Excellent and engaging.

14) Puppetpals: Useful for younger pupils. They can record themselves telling the story. Similar to Toontastic

15) Teach your Monster to read: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

16) Epic: For Reading

17) Oxford Owl: For Reading. Has a free ebook library with over 300 books in it and offers free access to teachers and parents once you create an account. For children aged 3-11 years old.

18) Kahoot: for general knowledge and quizes.

19)

20) Readworks

21) : Coding app,- super for all ages.

22) Beetot: Coding for younger children.

23) Go Noodle: (Free) provides movement breaks that the children benefit from and enjoy.

24) Nessy Apps: Reading for pupils with difficulties such as Dylexia.

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