Remote Learning at Sacred Heart Catholic School

Last updated: June 2026

Our Commitment

At Sacred Heart Catholic School, we are committed to providing high-quality face-to-face education for all our pupils. We believe that in-person teaching offers the best educational experience and enables our pupils to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Remote learning is only used in exceptional circumstances when in-person attendance is not possible. It is always a short-term measure and never a substitute for classroom teaching. 

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When We Provide Remote Learning

We provide remote learning in the following exceptional circumstances:

Individual Pupil Absence

• When a pupil has an infectious illness and cannot attend school, but is well enough to learn
• When a pupil is recovering from illness or injury but not yet able to return to school
• Other exceptional circumstances agreed by the Headteacher

School Closure (Rare Circumstances)

• When the school building is unsafe (e.g., due to severe weather, building damage, or utility failure)
• When local or national government guidance requires the school to close
• During a public health emergency that prevents in-person attendance 

Remote learning will not normally be provided for family holidays, unauthorised absences, absences of 1-2 days due to minor illness, or when a pupil is too unwell to engage with learning. 

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What Remote Learning Looks Like

Our approach depends on the length of absence:

Short Absence (1-3 days)

What we provide:

• Access to Google Classroom, where teachers post lesson resources, worksheets, and homework
• Links to online learning resources (e.g., Oak National Academy, BBC Bitesize)
• Contact details for your child's form tutor if support is needed

Pupils can catch up on missed work when they return to school, with teacher support during lessons or at break/lunch times. 

Medium Absence (4-10 days)

What we provide:

• Everything listed for short absences, plus:
• Feedback on one piece of submitted work per subject per week
• Guidance on priority tasks to complete 

Extended Absence (10+ days)

What we provide:

• Everything listed for medium absences, plus:
• Regular contact with subject teachers
• Access to pastoral support from the Head of Year
• Adjustments for pupils with SEND or other additional needs
• Regular monitoring of engagement and wellbeing 

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Platforms We Use

Primary Platform: Google Classroom

• All pupils have a Google Classroom account accessed via RM Unify
• Teachers post lesson resources, assignments, and announcements
• Pupils submit work and receive feedback

Live Teaching: Google Meet

• Used for live lessons during extended absences
• Accessed via links posted in Google Classroom

Additional Resources:

• Oak National Academy (video lessons and resources)
• BBC Bitesize (subject-specific content)
• Subject-specific platforms

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What We Expect from Pupils

When accessing remote learning, pupils are expected to:

Engagement:

• Check Google Classroom daily for new work and announcements
• Complete the assigned work to the best of their ability and by the deadlines set
• Attend live lessons (if provided) and participate appropriately
• Ask for help if they don't understand something

Behaviour and Conduct:

• Follow the school's behaviour policy at all times
• Communicate respectfully with teachers and peers
• Not share login details or allow others to access their accounts
• Follow online safety rules 

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What We Expect from Parents and Carers

We ask parents and carers to:

Support Learning:

• Ensure their child accesses remote learning during school hours where possible
• Provide a suitable learning environment (quiet space, appropriate supervision)
• Encourage their child to complete work and meet deadlines
• Monitor their child's engagement with remote learning

Communication:

• Inform the school if their child is too unwell to engage with remote learning
• Contact the school if they need support accessing remote learning (devices, internet, technical help)
• Raise any concerns about remote learning with the form tutor or Head of Year

What we do NOT expect:

• Parents to teach the curriculum or replace the role of teachers
• Parents to supervise their child constantly during remote learning
• Parents to have expert knowledge of all subjects 

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Support Available

Technology Access

If your child does not have access to a suitable device or internet connection, please contact us immediately. We may be able to provide:

• Loan of a school device (laptop or tablet)
• Printed work packs that can be collected from school or posted home
• Arrangement for the pupil to attend school to access remote learning with staff support 

Pupils with SEND

For pupils with SEND, we will:

• Adapt work to meet individual needs (as outlined in their SEND support plan or EHCP)
• Provide additional resources (e.g., visual aids, simplified instructions, audio recordings)
• Offer additional support from teaching assistants where appropriate
• Maintain regular contact with parents to ensure provision is meeting the pupil's needs 

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding is our top priority. All staff, pupils, and parents must follow safeguarding protocols during remote learning.

The school's safeguarding and child protection policy applies fully to remote learning. 

If you have any concerns about a child's safety or well-being, contact:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: C Roberts 
• Out of hours: NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) or local police (999 in an emergency)

Video Call Protocols

When live teaching via Google Meet is used:

Pupils must:

• Join the call from a shared family space where possible (not a bedroom)
• Keep your camera OFF unless specifically asked to turn it on by the teacher
• Keep your microphone MUTED unless speaking
• Dress appropriately (as you would for school)
• Behave respectfully and follow the school's behaviour policy
• Do not record, screenshot, or share any part of the video call