St.Stephen's School

Guidance for Parents

In the event of a school closure, bubble closure or self isolation, the school is committed to providing continuity of education to its children and will do so through a process of remote or online learning. Our remote learning offer is high quality, cross curricular, and age appropriate which is in the form of blended learning. We offer a range of live learning, pre-recorded teaching, learning packs including stationery and textbooks and education websites and apps as well as projects and research opportunities. 

No matter what year group your child is in, we highly recommend that they
read, read and read.
Every child must read daily, at least once.

We have links to some excellent websites and programmes that your child needs to practise regularly. These skills include: spellings, arithmetic, number fluency and times-tables.

Please encourage your child to maintain a high standard of handwriting and drawing too.

All completed work should be returned to school for their teacher to review when your child completes their period of isolation.

 

 

Reception

  • Learning in Reception happens in short bursts, so spend no more than 20 minutes at a time on an activity.

  • We  cannot emphasise enough how important exploring through play is for your child’s early development, so please make sure that your child plays.

  • Playing supports your child to be explorers; to be negotiators; and allows them to solve problems.

Activities that we recommend that your child does regularly:


  • Play games

  • Learn songs and nursery rhymes

  • Phonics and reading

  • Letter and number formation

  • Number bonds to 5 and 10

 

Years 1 and 2

  • In Years 1 and 2, there is a big focus on playing respectfully, taking turns and appropriately problem solving.

  • Phonics, reading and basic number facts are practised daily. 

  • It is really important that all children do some writing every day, these could be practising their spellings, writing sentences or a story. 

As well as focussing on good, healthy play, these are the daily tasks that we recommend they do:

  • Phonics and reading 

  • Core Word Spelling Practise 

  • Letter and number formation.  

  • Addition and subtraction within 10. 

Years 3 and 4

  • Years 3 and 4 pupils need to be active with activities. Here is a website with some ideas: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/indoor-activities-for-kids/

  • We recommended they read short novels- suggested authors are Roald Dahl and Michael Morpurgo. 

  • By the end of this phase pupils should be able to add and subtract 4 digit numbers. 

These are the daily tasks that we recommend they do:

  • Reading

  • Core Word Spelling Practise

  • Times-tables practise

  • Arithmetic

  • Joined-up handwriting

Year 5 and 6 

  • Year 5 and 6 pupils begin to develop a moral compass and a strong sense of justice, so we recommend that you maintain fairness and consistency.

  • At this age your child is less reliant on you and more independent, but do check that they are on top of the work that they are supposed to do.

These are the daily tasks that we recommend they do:

  • Reading

  • Core Word Spelling Practise

  • Times-tables practise

  • Arithmetic

  • Joined-up handwriting

SEND

Children who are in receipt of High Needs Funding (HNF), or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will receive a personalised learning programme to follow for the 10 days of self-isolation. Your child’s teacher will contact you directly with this programme for your child.

For many of our children who receive this extra support, communication is at the centre of all our learning programmes. Please ensure you are exploring opportunities to expand communication daily. Specialist resources to aid this can be found on the school website. 
 

If you have any questions or queries to do with your child’s work during this time, please telephone the school (020 8472 7575) or email info@berkhampsteadschoo.co.uk and your query will be directed to the relevant person.