Remote Learning Policy

LoveSpring Nursery School - Supporting Learning Beyond Our Nursery Walls

1. Policy Aims

This remote learning policy for LoveSpring Nursery School aims to provide clear guidance for supporting children's learning when they cannot physically attend our nursery setting.

Our Remote Learning Vision

We aim to:

Ensure consistency in our approach to remote learning for children not attending nursery
Set clear expectations for all members of our nursery community regarding remote learning
Provide appropriate guidelines for data protection and safeguarding in remote contexts
Maintain connection and continuity of learning for children during unavoidable absences
Support parents in engaging with their child's learning at home

2. Use of Remote Learning

2.1 Principles and Approach

At LoveSpring Nursery School, we believe that in-person attendance provides the best learning experience for young children. Remote learning is not viewed as an equal alternative to physical attendance in our nursery setting.

Attendance Recording

Children receiving remote education will be marked absent in line with statutory attendance requirements. Remote learning is provided as additional support, not as a substitute for nursery attendance.

2.2 Appropriate Circumstances for Remote Learning

Situation	Remote Learning Provision	Duration
Nursery Closure	Full remote learning programme for all children	Duration of closure
Infectious Illness	Individual learning packs and virtual check-ins	Short-term (1-2 weeks)
Medical Procedures	Tailored learning activities and regular contact	As advised by medical professionals
Vulnerable Children	Enhanced support and regular virtual sessions	Case-by-case basis

2.3 Decision-Making Process

Remote learning provision will be considered on a case-by-case basis and requires:

Mutual agreement between nursery, parents/carers, and relevant professionals
Formal arrangements for regular review and reintegration planning
Clear time limits with the aim of returning to nursery as soon as possible
Consideration of additional support needed for successful reintegration

Important: Remote learning will never be used as a disciplinary measure or alternative to suspension.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Nursery Practitioners

Responsibility	Expectations	Time Commitment
Availability	Available during normal nursery hours for remote support	8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Learning Activities	Provide age-appropriate, play-based learning suggestions	Daily activities (15-30 minutes)
Communication	Regular check-ins with families and children	Weekly virtual sessions
Adaptation	Make reasonable adjustments for children with additional needs	As required

Practitioner Responsibilities

Provide remote learning activities that are play-based and developmentally appropriate
Ensure activities require minimal specialist resources and can be done with household items
Offer regular feedback and encouragement through parent communication
Maintain professional boundaries during virtual interactions
Respond to parent communications within 24 working hours
Participate in virtual team meetings and professional development

3.2 Nursery Manager

Management Oversight

The Nursery Manager has overall responsibility for:

Quality assurance of remote learning provision
Staff training and support for remote delivery
Communication with parents about remote learning arrangements
Monitoring engagement and identifying support needs
Ensuring safeguarding procedures are maintained
Coordinating resources and equipment distribution if needed

3.3 Parents and Carers

Expectation	Support Required	Communication
Engagement	Support children with suggested activities where possible	Share photos/updates with key person
Communication	Inform nursery if child is unwell or cannot participate	Respond to nursery communications
Environment	Create a safe space for virtual interactions	Ensure appropriate background for video calls
Feedback	Share what's working well and any challenges	Constructive communication with staff

4. Remote Learning Delivery

4.1 Age-Appropriate Approaches

Age Group	Learning Approach	Daily Engagement
6 months - 2 years	Sensory activities, songs, simple play ideas	Short bursts (5-15 minutes)
2-3 years	Stories, simple crafts, movement activities	15-30 minutes total
3-4 years	Structured activities, early literacy/numeracy	30-45 minutes total
4-5 years	School readiness activities, project work	45-60 minutes total

4.2 Delivery Methods

Multi-Platform Approach

Learning Packs: Physical resources with activity ideas and materials
Email Communication: Regular updates and activity suggestions
Virtual Sessions: Short video calls for storytime and check-ins
Photo Sharing: Secure platform for sharing learning experiences
Telephone Support: Regular calls for parent guidance and support
Online Resources: Curated links to appropriate early years content

4.3 Content and Activities

Activity Principles

All remote learning activities will be:

Play-based and developmentally appropriate
Requiring minimal specialist equipment
Adaptable to different home environments
Linked to Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning
Supportive of parent-child interaction
Flexible in timing and duration

5. Safeguarding and Wellbeing

5.1 Virtual Interaction Guidelines

Guideline	Requirement	Rationale
Professional Setting	Neutral background, professional dress	Maintains professional boundaries
Parent Presence	Parent/carer must be present for all video calls	Safeguarding requirement
Recording	No recording of virtual sessions permitted	Privacy and data protection
Platform Security	Use only approved, secure platforms	Data protection compliance

5.2 Safeguarding Procedures

All normal safeguarding procedures remain in effect during remote learning:

Designated Safeguarding Lead remains first point of contact for concerns
Staff must report any concerns immediately following normal procedures
Regular welfare checks will be conducted for vulnerable children
All virtual interactions must be conducted through nursery-approved platforms
Parents must be informed about and consent to virtual interactions

5.3 Wellbeing Support

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

We recognise that remote learning can impact children's emotional wellbeing:

Regular check-ins focusing on wellbeing as well as learning
Activities designed to maintain connection with nursery friends
Support for parents in managing children's emotional needs
Clear pathways for accessing additional support if needed
Celebration of achievements and maintenance of nursery routines

6. Data Protection and Security

6.1 Data Handling Procedures

Secure Data Management

Use only approved, secure platforms for communication and file sharing
Maintain strong password protection on all devices and accounts
Ensure devices automatically lock when inactive
Keep operating systems and security software up to date
Avoid sharing personal data unless absolutely necessary
Follow nursery data protection policy in all remote working

6.2 Device Security

Security Measure	Requirement	Implementation
Password Protection	Strong, unique passwords for all accounts	Minimum 8 characters with mixed characters
Encryption	Device encryption enabled	Automatic on nursery devices, recommended for personal devices
Security Software	Updated anti-virus and anti-malware	Regular updates and scans
Access Control	Devices not shared with family members	Personal use only during work hours

7. Support and Contact Information

7.1 Points of Contact

Issue Type	Contact Person	Response Time
Learning Activities	Key Person / Room Leader	Within 24 working hours
Technical Issues	Nursery Manager	Within 48 working hours
Safeguarding Concerns	Designated Safeguarding Lead	Immediately
Wellbeing Support	Key Person / SENCO	Within 24 working hours
General Queries	Nursery Office	Within 48 working hours

7.2 Equipment and Access Support

We will support families who need assistance with:

Access to suitable devices for virtual interactions
Printed learning materials and activity packs
Guidance on using digital platforms safely
Alternative communication methods if digital access is limited
Support in creating a suitable learning environment at home

8. Monitoring and Review

8.1 Quality Assurance

Monitoring Framework

Regular review of remote learning activities by management team
Parent feedback surveys and consultation
Staff supervision sessions focusing on remote practice
Analysis of engagement patterns and participation rates
Review of children's progress and development during remote periods
Evaluation of reintegration success after remote learning periods

8.2 Policy Review

Review Type	Frequency	Responsibility
Annual Review	Yearly	Nursery Manager and Management Team
Implementation Review	After each significant use	All Staff and Parent Feedback
Regulatory Update	As required	Nursery Manager
Staff Training Update	Termly	Nursery Manager

Contact Information

Remote Learning Coordinator: Nursery Manager

Designated Safeguarding Lead: [DSL's Name]

SENCO: [SENCO's Name]

LoveSpring Nursery School: Coventry, CV1 5HA

Telephone: +44 (0)24 1234 5678

Email: remotelearning@lovespringnursery.co.uk

Emergency Contact: Available during nursery hours

Date of Policy: [Current Date]

Last Reviewed: [Current Date]

Next Review Due: [Two years from current date]

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager/Owner, LoveSpring Nursery School