COVID-19 Information Page
Mrs McManus wanted the children to know that even at times when we cannot be together, we are connected by the 'invisible string of love'. You can listen to the story, by clicking on the link below.
Covid 19 Advice for Parents and Carers in Greater Manchester
List of funded groups to support families
St Mary’s remote learning offer information for parents (updated Jan 21)
Link to Tameside Early Help / Neighbourhoods website.
In the event of National or local lockdowns, or indeed the closure of ‘bubbles’ within school, we wanted to share with you our ‘Contingency Plan’ to ensure that children continue to access their education.
Home learning (Reception)
Work will be set by the teachers via Class DoJo. If you have not signed up yet, you will be sent a reminder message from your child’s teacher. Please ensure that you sign up where possible as it is a great form of communication between home and school.
The work set will be in line with the EYFS curriculum and will include, for example, activities linked to:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Phonics
- Number
- Understanding the world
Home learning (Year 1 – Year 6)
Work will be set by the teachers via Class Dojo. If you have not signed up yet, you will be sent a reminder message from your child’s teacher. Please ensure that you sign up where possible as it is a great form of communication between home and school.
Teachers will set the following work:
- English
- Maths
- ‘Other’ (for example Science, RE, History, Art etc.)
As a school, we also subscribe to:
- TT Rock Stars
- Spelling Shed
- Numbots
- Purple Mash
- Discovery Espresso
If your child is unsure of their log in details for any of these sites, please inform school.
In addition to this, there are a number of sites recommended by the Government (detailed below) that can be used to support home learning.
If your child has a special educational need or disability, meaning that they require an individualised learning pack, this will be arranged by the teachers, in conjunction with our SENDCO and other outside agencies.
Prayers
As a Catholic school, prayer is at the heart of all we do. Please pray with your children and encourage them to take time each day to talk to God. We have attached some prayers for different times of the day, but you can also access a range of resources via the CAFOD website, where you can also register to attend a virtual children’s liturgy each Sunday morning.
https://cafod.org.uk/Education/Children-s-liturgy
Access to online learning
If your child would not have access to a device in the event of school closure, then please inform school, so we are aware of which children cannot access online learning. If possible, a device will be loaned to you. In the event that this is not possible, a home learning pack will be prepared for these children. Please be aware that online learning is our preferred option, so if there is a chance that your child could access a device, we would ask that they do so.
Providing feedback
Pupils can send any completed work to teachers via Class Dojo. Alternatively, work that children complete on paper should be kept safe and returned to school when safe to do so.
Contact with pupils/ parents
Parents are able to contact the school via telephone or the school admin email address. Parents can also send messages to the Class Teacher via Class Dojo. Teachers will email back feedback if required and will endeavor to respond within 48 hours. Where a pupil is self-isolating on medical grounds for a significant period of time, contact will be made via telephone on a weekly basis to monitor learning and provide support if needed. Staff will also make contact with children via Microsoft Teams, including small group Teams ‘catch-ups’.
Ideas for online resources
ENGLISH
Read Write Inc.
(This is the phonics scheme we use at St Mary’s)
Websites: www.ruthmiskin.com - filmed phonics lessons
Oxford Owl Phonics - e-books and activities
Authorfy
Website: https://authorfy.com
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: access to masterclasses on texts from a range of authors, including videos from the authors and activities linked to novels.
Registration: is required
BookTrust
Website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, including fiction and non-fiction. Family activities are included in the ‘Home Time’ section.
Registration: not required
Classroom Secrets
Website: https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/free-home-learning-packs/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs which cover a range of subjects, including reading and writing.
Registration: not required
Literacy Counts
Website: https://literacycounts.co.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: free home learning packs for parents covering reading and writing. A school offer is also available.
Registration: is required
Love Reading 4 Kids
Website: https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, covering fiction and non-fiction.
Registration: not required
Love Reading 4 Schools
Website: https://www.lovereading4schools.co.uk
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 5
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, covering fiction and non-fiction.
Registration: not required
National Literacy Trust
Website: https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 3
Description: a range of family activities to support literacy.
Registration: not required
Literacy Shed
Website: https://www.literacyshedplus.com/en-gb/browse/free-resources
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs with tasks based on video clips on YouTube.
Registration: not required
Pobble 365
Website: https://www.pobble365.com/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a new image is published each day as a basis for creative writing. Story starters, questions and drawing ideas are provided.
Registration: not required
Elevenses with the World of David Walliams
Website: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
Key stages: key stage 2
Description: one free audio book reading is available to listen to every day.
Registration: not required
Royal Opera House
Website: https://learning-platform.roh.org.uk/create-and-learn
Key stages: key stage 1 to key stage 3
Description: a range of resources which allow you to explore theatre from home.
Registration: not required
The Week Junior
Website: https://www.theweekjuniorparentsclub.co.uk/
Key stages: key stage 2
Description: downloadable articles and activities adapted for parents and guardians for home learning.
Registration: is required
MATHS
Mathematics Mastery
Website: https://www.mathematicsmastery.org/free-resources
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable guidance and resource packs for parents and pupils.
Registration: not required
Nrich
Website: https://nrich.maths.org/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 4
Description: a range of activities and articles aimed at students, parents and guardians, and teachers, categorised into age groups.
Registration: not required
Numberblocks
Websites:
CBeebies - https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/help-your-child-with-maths
Numberblocks - https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks
Key stages: early years foundation stage and key stage 1
Description: videos for numeracy development, with fun activities that can be applied to everyday life and play.
Registration: not required
Top Marks
Website: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 3
Description: a range of interactive maths games categorised by age group, suitable for parents and students to work through.
Registration: not required
White Rose Maths (home learning)
Website: https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 3
Description: presentations and downloadable workbooks which are easy to use for parents. New material is being released each week.
Registration: not required
NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics)
Website: http://www.ncetm.org.uk/primaryvideolessons
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: video lessons for primary age children.
Registration: not required
SCIENCE
BBC Bitesize
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: interactive resources covering the primary science curriculum. Suitable for pupil/parent use.
Registration: not required
PE
Boogie Beebies
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mvsc
Key stages: early years foundation stage
Description: videos that get younger children up and dancing with CBeebies presenters.
Registration: not required
Disney 10 Minute Shakeups
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shake-ups
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: 10-minute activities based on Disney films that count towards a child’s 60 active minutes per day.
Registration: not required
Lawn Tennis Association
Website: https://www.lta.org.uk/tennis-at-home
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: videos, activity cards and resources giving children the chance to explore key character qualities demonstrated by tennis players.
Registration: not required
Super Movers
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: videos which help children move while they learn. They support curriculum subjects, including maths and English.
Registration: not required
#ThisIsPE
Website: https://www.afpe.org.uk/physical-education/thisispe-supporting-parents-to-teach-pe-at-home/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: videos delivered by teachers focussing on the PE curriculum which are accessible on YouTube.
Registration: not required
UK Active
Website: https://ukactivekids.com/movecrew/
Key stages: key stage 2
Description: resources and videos produced to help pupils perform 60 minutes of daily recommended activity.
Registration: not required
Youth Sport Trust – Complete PE
Website: https://www.youthsporttrust.org/free-home-learning-resources-primary
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: online planning and assessment resources, providing teachers with lesson plans and resources to support the delivery of physical education.
Registration: not required
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/coronavirus-support/support-for-early-years/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people.
Registration: not required
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.
Registration: not required
Charles Dickens Primary School
Website: http://www.charlesdickens.southwark.sch.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: weekly wellbeing video lessons.
Registration: not required
Children’s Commissioner
Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a downloadable guide for children about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Registration: not required
Click View
Website: www.clickview.co.uk/free
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: activities to support areas of wellbeing including resilience, mental health and emotions, for primary-aged students.
Registration: not required
JMB Education
Website: https://www.jmbeducation.com/
Key stages: key stage 1 to key stage 3
Description: mindfulness activities, soundscapes and musicscapes to help children focus on their feelings, thoughts and environment.
Registration: school registration required
MindEd
Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: an educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
Registration: not required, but registration increases functionality
Muddy Faces
Website: https://muddyfaces.co.uk/outdoor-hub/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a range of health and wellbeing activities and resources that can be completed outdoors.
Registration: not required
SEND: apps and games
(Apps must be downloaded onto a compatible device)
Brain Parade
Website: http://www.brainparade.com/products/see-touch-learn-free/
Description: a visual instruction app, including flash cards and picture-choosing games, for children with autism and special needs.
HelpKidzLearn
Website: https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
Description: a collection of games and resources designed for a range of educational needs and stages. It includes provision for school closure.
Sensory App House Ltd
Website: https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/
Description: a range of apps are available for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) or Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). All are interactive and many do not require significant coordination abilities.
Visuals2Go
Website: https://www.visuals2go.com/
Description: an all-in-one app created to support people with communication and learning difficulties. For verbal and non-verbal learners.
SEND: online, downloadable and printable resources
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/media/11160/supporting-schools-and-colleges.pdf
Description: a downloadable guide to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and students during periods of disruption. Designed for teachers, but suitable for parents too.
Registration: not required
Charles Dickens Primary
Website: http://www.charlesdickens.southwark.sch.uk/
Description: the Jenny Wren Virtual School SEN Hub offers daily lessons for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, focusing on Makaton and a daily activity to complete with a parent or teacher.
Registration: not required
ClickView
Website: https://www.clickview.co.uk/free/
Description: videos and education resources, with some SEND specific resources listed.
Registration: is required
Driver Trust
Website: https://www.driveryouthtrust.com/resources/
Description: online resource designed to address common literacy difficulties
Registration: not required
Inclusive Teach
Website: https://inclusiveteach.com/free-printable-sen-teaching-resources/
Description: downloadable and printable accessible teaching resources for parents and teachers to support pupils with a range of SEND needs, including autism, PMLD, SLCN, MLD, SLD
Registration: not required
Priory Woods School
Website: http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/page/?title=Resources&pid=3
Description: resources from an award-winning, innovative school, rated by Ofsted as outstanding and put together by SEND teachers for parents and teachers. The resources include apps and programmes.
Registration: not required
SEN Teacher
Website: https://www.senteacher.org/
Description: downloadable and printable resources that can be adapted to suit the needs of pupils. Resources are aimed at a range of abilities. Website has over 300,000 regular users and is suitable for both parents and teachers.
Registration: not required
SEN World
Website: https://www.specialeducationalneedsworld.com/home-schooling
Description: online resources for SEN teaching at home
Registration: not required
Speech and Language Kids
Website: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/free-speech-language-resources/
Description: an extensive range of education and therapy resources for parents and teachers of children with speech and language needs. A podcast is also available on iTunes for verbal and non-verbal children.
Registration: not required
Speech Link Multimedia Ltd
Website: https://speechandlanguage.info/parents
Description: a parent portal with links to downloadable resources, activities and games developed by a team of speech and language therapists and software engineers who work with over 4,000 schools in the UK.
Registration: not required
The Autism Page
Website: https://www.theautismpage.com/
Description: online support and information aimed at supporting parents with young children with autism. Information and ideas to support the implementation of helpful teaching methods.
Registration: not required
Tips to support home education
Alongside the resources, here are 6 handy tips to support and guide your child’s home education:
- Keep it simple
Aim to support your child’s education with a small number of high-quality resources that you can keep coming back to as part of a weekly routine. This familiarity will help both you and your child get to grips with the challenge of home education with greater confidence.
- Find your home education routines
Consistent routines are important for supporting behaviour and creating a new rhythm for home education. You could share this video on supporting routines with your child. Talk to them to help them plan their new routines and share the strategies you are using at home too.
- Look for the positives
When your child is engaging with home education, try and catch them doing things right and praise this behaviour. Celebrate their successes, whether that is:
- concentrating well
- reading skilfully
- working hard on a tricky science activity
- Encourage planning and reflection
A helpful study tip is to talk through with your child a ‘5-minute plan’, before they begin an activity, to try and make sure they understand what they need to do.
- Support your child to manage their own education
After you have decided upon a high-quality resource, support your child to get organised and to best manage their time. Talk to them about:
- how long they may need to complete a task
- what resources may be required
- how confident they feel about the task
- Encourage your child to talk about what they are studying
Every child will gain from talking about their education and positively sharing your interest. For older children in particular, encouragement and interest is more important than any direct involvement in what they are studying. You could use the TRUST technique to help you talk with your child about their education.
(These tips have been adapted from the best available evidence from Education Endowment Foundation guidance reports)