Virtual lessons and phone calls from staff show schools giving vital support

From the afternoon of Friday, March 20 schools closed their doors in an attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19. The lockdown is set to be eased slightly with Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicating that primary schools will be a priority, but no date has been given yet for any school reopening its doors.

Schools, many of whom are also looking after the children of key workers, have had to adapt while parents have taken on the role of teacher.

Jules White is headteacher of Tanbridge House School, near Horsham, and said one of the many measures to support children has been to hold video assemblies by leaders of year, weekly phone calls by pastoral staff to vulnerable students and direct letters home via school comms and other social media. This is on top of teacher support via email and online learning.

He said: “I write home two to three times per week to parents and have done bespoke video messages to all student in Years seven through to 11. They are on YouTube.”

With some parents facing the challenge of teaching their children while juggling work commitments, Mr White has this advice: “I have stated that students and families can only try their best. We emphasise the importance of routines, kindness, seeking support and look after each other. Screen time should be carefully monitored but staffing in touch with friends and family via social media is positive, as is regular exercise. I am exceptionally proud of our whole school community.”

Ark Alexandra Academy in Hastings has remained open to students whose parents are key workers and for vulnerable students. Whilst it is not possible to recreate school at home, it has been working hard to ensure that our students can continue to learn during the lockdown.

A spokesperson said: "We recognise the unique challenges the current situation creates for many of our students and that completing learning to a set schedule may become difficult. We have encouraged students and parents to consider creating their own timetable of study, reading, relaxation, and physical activity that suits the family schedule. Staff are supporting, monitoring and tracking completed work.

"There is weekly learning set on Show My Homework and other platforms used by the school. Other activities include virtual small group subject tutorials and videos where subject teams set students challenges on our You Tube page. Staff are responding to subject queries online and are available for support with learning throughout the school closure period.

“Staff are also offering pastoral support which includes weekly pastoral calls to all students and their parents/carers and daily pastoral calls to all vulnerable students and their parents/carers. We encourage access to Place To Be support for students who are struggling with mental health during this period.

“Our Year 6 transition process will also begin to take place virtually with calls to parents and students, we will have a virtual welcome evening and a virtual tour of the school.”

Staff at Langney Primary Academy in Eastbourne have been telephoning children to keep in touch with them.

Benjamin Bowles, head of school, said: “At Langney, we have created a very safe and positive learning environment for the children of brave frontline keyworkers.

“We have supported the work of the NHS, local care homes, Colonel Tom Moore and even donated resources for PPE.

“Most of our children continue to learn at home through our bespoke online or offline learning. We have built a Virtual Learning Portal in quick time to share timetables, our learning links, podcasts of success, assembly clips, Flashback Friday clips and St George’s Day and VE Day celebrations.

“Teachers have phoned every child in the school for a lovely catch up and even run a quiz on social media for the families.

“It has been a great team effort to support all families and we cannot wait to see all the children again when safe and ready.”

Support is also being given to older students.

East Sussex College, which has campuses in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes and Newhaven, has set up a dedicated page on its website and it has installed a Live Chat feature for students to ask any questions they may have alongside the FAQs.

Ashley Chapman, communications department at East Sussex College, said: “Our tutors moved their classes online so they could still teach students.

“We already use Google Classroom, so this was quite a smooth transition. They also add Google Hangouts and Zoom calls to their teaching so they could keep in touch, almost face-to-face.

“As ever, they’re always on email so students can get in touch if they have any private matters/concerns.”

A safeguarding brochure has also been created with information about how to get in touch with key members of staff and the various support groups for students if they feel vulnerable.

It has also put together an A2 folded flyer called ‘caremail’ which has been sent out to current students and year 11 applicants

“The main aim was to tell them that we are thinking of them, things will get better, and their place at college is safe.

“It had about 30 links (if not more) to lots of useful things we had pulled together.

“Some of the best things were: free audiobooks, we created a Spotify playlist, links to fun and educational things on YouTube, free exercise apps and videos, good ways to keep in touch with friends, and our top apps for looking after and improving mental health, such as Calm and Headspace.

“We have launched an art competition with famous architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire.

“The idea is to submit a drawing of a landmark from their town, but only recall the details from memory - just as Stephen does.”

Encouraging children to express their creativity has been an important way schools have been helping children cope with being out of their routine and away from their friends and teachers.

Pupils at Priory School in Lewes have are among those who have been showcasing their creative side as a result.

Students have been inspired to write poetry about their thoughts and feelings and home cooked recipes have been sent out with the results have been shared on the school’s Twitter feed.

Teachers set and mark work online for the students at home, and for those in school they are working on a rota basis to provide key lessons.

Brighton Aldridge Community Academy’s programme is delivered through the school’s website and through online lessons, virtual assemblies recorded on video: and one to one contact and feedback between teachers and students.

A parent of a year 7 pupil said, “The support my daughter has received since the school closure has been outstanding. She has had live lessons, support via email and just been made to feel that anything she needs is covered.”

With some parents facing the challenge of teaching their children while juggling work commitments trying to support them carry out home learning has been an added challenge.

But Jules White headteacher of Tanbridge House School near Horsham and a leading school funding campaigner in Sussex said parents should not become too worried.

He said: “I have stated that students and families can only try their best.

“We emphasise the importance of routines, kindness, seeking support and look after each other. Screen time should be carefully monitored but staffing in touch with friends and family via social media is positive. As is regular exercise.”

He added: “I am exceptionally proud of our whole school community.”

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