Our remote learning plan

All children who are having to (1) self-isolate or (2) Stay at home due to local or national restrictions will be provided with daily learning.  All remote learning will be via google classrooms. 

Where do we access the work?

All the work will be on your child’s google classroom account.  All children have been given their login details but if you are having difficulties logging on (or can’t find the log in details) please contact the school office.  New work is put onto google classroom everyday Monday to Friday

How many hours a day is my child expected to work for?

For nursery through to year 2 there will be a minimum of 3 hours of work set a day. For year 3 to year 6 there will be a minimum of 4 hours of work set a day.

What does the daily curriculum look like?

Every class from Nursery to Year 6 will have a daily timetabled live session with their class teacher.  If a teacher is having to self-isolate then the live session will be with the key stage phase leader.  The DFE’s expectations for remote learning recognises that a daily live classroom enables important interaction between the children and their teacher. 

In line with the DFE’s expectations for remote learning, all learning will be aligned to the classroom curriculum where possible and will follow the year group timetable they would be following if they were in school.  We aim to carefully sequence the learning so that it builds on and consolidates previous learning. 

On the google classroom platform you will find some videos pre-recorded by the teacher, power points, worksheets and some links to other websites.   New learning will be uploaded by the teacher every morning. 

What does my child do with the work they complete?

When your child has completed their work they must hand it in on line. To do this they must first click the ‘Classwork’ tab. From here they need to select the assignment they wish to submit and open it by clicking ‘View Assignment’. When the assignment is open they will have an option to attach a photograph if appropriate, look out for the paper clip symbol. Finally, they need to click the ‘Hand in’ icon. This can be found in the blue box in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Please be aware, if they do not click the ‘Hand in’ button, the work will not be submitted to the class teacher.  Work must be submitted everyday.

Will there be feedback?

Yes.  Feedback and assessment are still as important.  Class teachers are monitoring the Google Classroom streams and assignment pages throughout the day. Feedback will be given on all completed lessons. This will either be through written instant messages, verbal feedback through voice messages or by applying a score to an assignment. Teachers will also provide some general feedback during Live Lessons where it is appropriate to do so.

What about if my child has additional needs?

The work set by the teacher will take into account the range of educational needs within the class. However, if a child has a particular special educational need, then the work set for them is personalised and can be accessed through their log in details. If your child is having difficulty accessing the work please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

What happens if my child is having trouble with their work?

If your child is having trouble with their work please leave a message for the teacher on the Google Classroom stream in the first instance. This allows the teacher to see the issue and to respond as promptly as possible in order to support home learning. Where you feel the issue is more complex, please contact school for a telephone discussion with your child’s class teacher.

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​What you’ll need at home

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How do I get the daily class work?

Your child will need a device that can access the internet, such as a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet or smartphone.   Google Classroom can also be accessed using a Playstation and Xbox.

How to access google classroom through the Playstation and Xbox

​The PlayStation 4 has its own web browser that is easy to find on the PlayStation 4 (in the content menu as an icon with WWW written on it). However, it's currently a bit trickier on PS5, as there is no way to open the browser natively.

Instead, you can open the System Settings, then the User Guide. This will open up an online user manual inside a web browser page so you only have to change the URL at the top. Otherwise, the rest of the steps are the same.

1. Plug a wired keyboard and/or mouse into the USB ports on the PS4 or PS5 - each console should recognise them.

2. In the URL bar of the browser, type classroom.google.com and then log in using the details provided by your child's school.

3. You can now access Google Classroom.

In some cases you might not be able to do everything you can on a laptop or PC, but you can, at the very least, access Google Classroom and see what work your teacher has assigned for you to do.

The Xbox consoles each have access to Microsoft Edge - the web browser that comes preinstalled as part of the Xbox user experience. This can be used to access Google Classroom (or another online education service approved by your child's school).

1. Plug a wired keyboard into your Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S via one of the USB ports on the front or back.

2. Press the Xbox button top-centre of a game controller and head to "My games & apps" in the side menu.

3. Click on "See all", scroll down to "Apps" and you will see Microsoft Edge in the icons on the right-hand side. Open it.

4. Type classroom.google.com into the URL bar at the top and log in as you would on a PC using your school Gmail account.

5. You can either use an Xbox controller to move the cursor or a separate USB mouse plugged into one of the other ports.

Is there anything else my child will need?

• A quiet learning space
• Paper, pencils and pens
• Regular breaks

What we expect from your child

It is really important that your child engages with the home learning.  Home learning is important. We expect to see your child on the daily live classroom google meets.  The teacher will take the register and talk to the children about their emotional wellbeing as well as giving some curriculum input. 

By doing the home learning your child is

• Learning the same as all the people in their class
• Making progress
• On track with the curriculum and will be ready for the next stage of learning when classes reopen.
• Working towards meeting their targets if they have special educational needs.

If they aren’t engaging with the learning, we’ll use the following strategies to provide additional support:  

• Phone calls home
• Social distanced home visit

What you can do to help

We really appreciate that home learning has its challenges and we are really grateful of your support at home which enables your child to access their year group learning. 

Younger children will need support to access online materials and staying focused with their remote learning.  We ask that you help as much as you can.

With older children, we don’t expect you to watch your child all day and we don’t expect you to get involved in all the remote lessons in place of the teachers.  It would be really helpful if you can take an active role in your child’s learning by asking them about their day and what they have learned.  As well as making sure that they take breaks, drink lots of water and have some ‘down time’ at lunchtime. 

Our top tips for home learning

(1) Identify a learning space

(2) Establish a learning timetable and get into a routine. 

(3) Try to encourage your child to be ready and dressed for the start of the school day.

(4) Plan breaks and exercise

(5) Finish home learning by 3.30pm at the latest. 

(6) Make it clear when the day is over to separate home and school life

(7) Distinguish between weekdays and the weekends. 

Please keep in touch with us and do let us know if you’re having difficulties with remote learning or if you have any questions.  We are here to support you.

Internet Access Support

The DfE have launched a scheme to increase data allowances on mobile devices to support children who are struggling to access the internet to complete home learning tasks..

The help is available for families who meet the following criteria:

• do not have fixed broadband at home

• cannot afford additional data for their devices

Children with access to a mobile phone on one of the following networks might be able to benefit:

• Three

• Smarty

• Virgin Mobile

• EE

• Tesco Mobile

• Sky Mobile

Applications for support need to be made by school. If you feel that you qualify for this support please contact school with the following information:

• The name of the mobile phone account holder

• The number of the mobile device

• The mobile network of that device (e.g. Three)

6th January 2021

Forms for parents/carers who have received a letter from school and have been allocated a place - Please can parents/carers who have received a school offer for their child complete the forms below every week.  This must be completed by Friday midday so that we can plan for the week ahead.   

How to use Google Classroom on Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S

The Xbox consoles each have access to Microsoft Edge - the web browser that comes preinstalled as part of the Xbox user experience. This can be used to access Google Classroom (or another online education service approved by your child's school).

1. Plug a wired keyboard into your Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S via one of the USB ports on the front or back.

2. Press the Xbox button top-centre of a game controller and head to "My games & apps" in the side menu.

3. Click on "See all", scroll down to "Apps" and you will see Microsoft Edge in the icons on the right-hand side. Open it.

4. Type classroom.google.com into the URL bar at the top and log in as you would on a PC using your school Gmail account.

5. You can either use an Xbox controller to move the cursor or a separate USB mouse plugged into one of the other ports.

How to use Google Classroom on PS4 & PS5

The PlayStation 4 has its own web browser that is easy to find on the PlayStation 4 (in the content menu as an icon with WWW written on it). However, it's currently a bit trickier on PS5, as there is no way to open the browser natively.

Instead, you can open the System Settings, then the User Guide. This will open up an online user manual inside a web browser page so you only have to change the URL at the top. Otherwise, the rest of the steps are the same.

1. Plug a wired keyboard and/or mouse into the USB ports on the PS4 or PS5 - each console should recognise them.

2. In the URL bar of the browser, type classroom.google.com and then log in using the details provided by your child's school.

3. You can now access Google Classroom.

In some cases you might not be able to do everything you can on a laptop or PC, but you can, at the very least, access Google Classroom and see what work your teacher has assigned for you to do.

Monday 4th January 2021

Each class will have a daily live lesson with their teacher on Google Classroom alongside their other home learning activities. Lessons will last for half an hour and will start at the following times:

9.00am - Year 6

9.30am - Year 5

10.00am - Year 4

10.30am - Year 3

11.00am - Year 2

1.30pm - Year 1

2.00pm - Reception

2.20pm - Nursery

Please ensure you are logged in to Google Classroom on time and have clicked the 'meet link' at the top of the page.

FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2020

FUNDING FOR FAMILIES ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS RELATED FREE SCHOOL MEALS OR FAMILIES WITH NO RECOURSE TO PUBLIC FUNDS - HALF TERM 

Manchester City Council has agreed today to provide funding for all children from Nursery class to Year 11 who are eligible for a benefits related free school meal over the half term break next week. This will be families on a low income that receive the pupil premium. This will include children from families who are legally classed as no recourse to public funds. This does not include children who get a free school meal through the universal scheme whereby all children in Reception year one and two receive a meal without charge. These children are not classed as free school meals for this scheme. Full details are below for eligibility.

Eligible families will receive a cash payment of £15 per child for the week and will need to claim through the Welfare provision scheme on the Council's website - the link is copied below. The scheme will continue to be open for 2 weeks after half term up until 13th November so that families can apply retrospectively if they are unable to claim next week. We will be making all of our front line service aware of this too so they can support the families they are working with to apply for the funding as soon as possible. Please can you help by letting your families who are eligible for this payment know through your communication channels and school website.   

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200008/benefits_and_support/6302/apply_for_a_loan_if_you_are_in_financial_crisis

IMPORTANT- COVID 19 INFORMATION - Letter to all Parents and Carers 23rd October 2020

DREAM IT! BELIEVE IT! ACHIEVE IT!

St Brigid’s RC Primary School

Grey Mare Lane

Beswick

Manchester

M11 3DR

St Brigid’s Community- working together to keep each other safe

IMPORTANT- COVID 19 INFORMATION

Dear Parents and Carers,

Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you for all your help and cooperation this term. It has been wonderful to be back together. The children are a joy to be with. They have enjoyed being reunited with friends and teachers and we have loved being with them and of course, you. They are back in the routine of learning and receiving their education. It has been a really successful term and I am so pleased that we have not had to shut any classes. That is down to your commitment to keeping your children safe- thank you. Whilst we know as cases rise in Manchester, this will be harder, you need to know you’ve done an amazing job.

We break up today, Friday 23.10.20 and we re-open on Monday 2^nd November 2020, so I wanted to share the following important information with you. This refers to children attending St Brigid’s RC Primary School.

If your child starts with symptoms by Sunday 23th October:

• Organise a test straight away. I recommend a drive in or walk in centre as their test results are generally quicker than home testing. The sooner you get the test result, the better.
• If your child’s result is positive, please contact school immediately by emailing admin@st-brigids.manchester.sch.uk (24/7) or ringing the school mobile on: 07716 759091 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri). It is really important to report it to school so that children and staff who have been in contact with your child can be informed of the need for them to self-isolate. We need to work together to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID 19. You will also need to contact Test and Trace straight away.
• If your child or any member of your household is positive, follow the Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. It is very important that you, your child and other household members follow this guidance and isolate for the required period of time, to help reduce the spread of infection. This includes not attending public places such as shops, play schemes, youth provision, leisure centres or sports activities etc which may have been planned for the school holidays.

If your child or any member of your household starts with symptoms from Monday 26^th October, contact Test and Trace straight away and follow the self-isolating guidance. You do not need to contact school until Monday 2^nd November in the morning by 9:10am.

Once again, thank you for your continued support. It is truly appreciated.

Mrs Miles

Letter to parents and guardians from The Department of Health and Social Care

- When to book a test for your child 

Dear parents and guardians,

This is an important letter to share some information on how we can work together to make sure we can continue to give children and young people the best education in the safest way possible.

One important part of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pupils, students, parents and our communities is testing for coronavirus. We all have a duty to make sure that the right people have access to get tested at the right time. Every time a test is used inappropriately, a person with COVID-19 symptoms may miss out on getting tested.

Therefore, I ask that you all follow these principles:

• you should only book a test if your child has any of these 3 coronavirus symptoms:

  1. a high temperature: any new high temperature where your child feels hot to touch on their chest or back (you do not need to measure the temperature)
  2. a new continuous cough: coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
  3. a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste: a noticeable loss of smell or taste or things smell and taste different to normal

• your child does not need a test if they have a runny nose, are sneezing or feeling unwell but do not have a temperature, cough or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste because these are not normally symptoms of coronavirus
• if you are unsure about whether to get a test, please check the official list of symptoms on the NHS website, which is reviewed regularly
• only the person with symptoms should get a test. You do not need to get a test for anyone else in the household unless they also have any of the 3 symptoms listed above. All members of the household need to self-isolate whilst waiting for the test result
• if the person with symptoms’ test comes back positive, other members of their household should continue self-isolating for 14 days and only get a test if they develop coronavirus symptoms
• if a pupil or student in a class or bubble tests positive for coronavirus, anyone who is advised to self-isolate does not require a test unless they subsequently develop symptoms.

No one else in the same class or bubble as the symptomatic person needs to take any action unless advised by the school or college. Schools and colleges have detailed guidance and access to a Department for Education and Public Health England helpline for advice and support.

Contacts of a person who has tested positive must follow the guidance carefully and in full, which means they must stay at home for 14 days. This is because it can take several days following contact with an infected person before an individual develops symptoms or the virus can be detected. Students should only book a test if they get symptoms.

The NHS has produced some guidance to help parents understand when their child can and cannot attend school which you may find useful.

It is vital for children and young people’s learning and future opportunities that they are able to return to school and college. It is therefore vitally important that all we work together and do our bit to make this possible.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Viv Bennett CBE
Chief Nurse and Director Maternity and Early Years, Public Health England

Dr Susan Hopkins
Interim Chief Medical Officer, NHS Test & Trace
Deputy Director, Public Health England
Consultant in Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Royal Free, London