Remote Learning: Parent support
I think that by now (written in January 2021!) everybody agrees that remote learning isn't easy.
Nor is it the thing we'd choose for our children.
We would all much rather go back to how things were before Christmas, even that was better than it is now.
However, we all also know that to protect our NHS and save lives, this is how it's going to be for the time being.
But we are still here to help, so please DO take a moment to look through the resources and ideas we'll be sharing on this page.
And if you are able to share what works well for you, please do. We know that many of our families have really thought hard about what will make remote learning easier for them, and those things could well help other families too. Email us at admin@beacon-ce-primary.devon.sch.uk and we'll share your top tips.
We also have a team of staff ready to help parents and carers as well as their children. Do get in touch.
Support for home learning
We are in the process of setting up support for parents who are finding remote learning challenging.
Mrs Garrett and Miss Pavey, who run our Solihull Parent Support groups, will be leading sessions and putting parents and carers in touch with a key member of staff who will be there to guide and support you to find ways that will make remote learning simpler, easier and work better for both you and your child or children.
Talking with parents over the past few days, I've had people sharing things I know many will find familiar - because parenting is tricky.
'My child knows just which buttons to press which push me to the wrong place.'
'I don't get computers, so I don't know what to do.'
'I don't understand the language that you use in school now, it's different and I'm having to look it all up to be able to help my child.'
'I know they will do it in school, but they just won't do it for me at home.'
We are here to help, and we do have strategies which will help you with all these frustrating situations and more. TELL US - and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Useful guidance
DfE's Guidance for Parents and Carers in the Third National Lockdown.
Guidance and support for remote learning - this has been shared by our friends and colleagues at St Peter's C of E Primary at Budleigh Salterton and has very helpful advice, do have a look.
There are two useful documents here about protecting children online during the Covid-19 pandemic, and an article about remote learning for National Online Safety Day.
Parent care
Parent Care is a free, appointment – based service that focuses on the unique needs of each parent and is also a great opportunity for parents that have attended a support service, to discuss a specific topic in further detail.
Parents and other agencies (such as local schools) can request a Parent Care appointment by calling the admin team at Open Door and filling out a referral form, or asking school to put you in touch with them.
You can read more about it here. Do please get in touch if we can help.
Top tips
A parent in Year 1 got in touch to let us know that having a timetable for her child really helped.
We use timetable in all classes. We use visual symbols as well as words and the time as this can really help too. It's a simple idea, but many children will find it helpful to have strategies we use in school at home too.
"My child was constantly complaining about how school at home was boring. Now he keeps track of where he is and what's next, sometimes he reminds me, "Mummy, it's time for maths!
I started the timetable for my child as it helps him to know what's going on and helps reduce meltdowns. Now I'm using it just to make daily life easier - I don't ahve to think about what's next cos it's all written down and easier to follow!
When my child wants to do something different, we check the timetable and allocate a space for it, no arguing and no fuss!"