Blended Learning Nutshell

Blended learning x

2Blended learning • NPFS Nutshell This Nutshell explains, generally, how blended learning will work in Scottish schools. There may be some instances when children can’t go to their school or early learning and childcare (ELC) setting because it’s not safe (for example because of local lockdown). If so, your child's school or ELC setting will use blended learning. There will need to be some flexibility between schools, ELC and families. There may be some differences between how local councils and schools organise blended learning. For more information about what will happen in your school or council area, it’s best to contact your school or ELC setting direct. There’s information about blended learning in the links at the end. Blended learning may be used if all children and young people can’t be in school safely WHY BLENDED LEARNING MAY BE USED IN SCOTTISH SCHOOLS It means that, if children can’t be in school, they won’t miss out on their education It means your child will have a mix of time at school and time at home doing work set by their teachers WHAT IS BLENDED LEARNING?

3Blended learning • NPFS Nutshell About blended learning There are different kinds of blended learning. What will happen in Scotland’s schools will be a mix of: • In-school and out-of-school learning (outdoor learning and learning at home) • Class (face-to-face in a classroom) and online teaching/learning • Some learning that needs a digital device and internet connection and some that doesn’t • Children and young people learning on their own and learning with a teacher or other adult such as a youth worker Your child will have some face-to-face teaching in school and be given work by teachers to do at home: • It won’t change what your child learns (Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)) • It will change how your child is taught and helped to learn • Most, but not all, of the ‘home’ part of blended learning is likely to be online • Some learning may take place outdoors, in community centres or elsewhere • Whether in-school, at home, or elsewhere, the learning will be active and interactive, and will involve teaching staff • Both in school and at home, there will be a variety of activities which may include practical tasks, research, discussions and projects • When your child is at home, they will still be linked into a teacher in some way (for online teaching or for support) Devices and connections Some but not all of the in-home learning may need your child to have the right technology and to be able to get on to the internet. Your school will be in touch with you to make sure that your home has broadband or mobile connection, plus the devices and software needed for your child to take part in any online learning. Parents are not expected to be teachers

4Blended learning • NPFS Nutshell Why use blended learning?

The preferred option is for all children to be learning in school. Blended learning is a back-up plan if the Scottish Government or your local council needs to reduce the numbers of children in school. • It’s suitable for any child, at any age and stage • Although it’s different from how we’ve gone about school education in Scotland, it’s not new and it does work Blended learning is a good option because: • It encourages children to be more independent, and that’s especially helpful to young people in the senior phase • It’s flexible in that a child does not always have to fit with the usual 9am to 3pm of the school day • It’s an approach to learning which is used all over the world. Although it tends to be more common in colleges, universities and workplaces, it’s used with all age-groups including children in primary or nursery education

To work well, blended learning depends on factors such as: • Your child’s teacher being closely involved in their learning • Good communication between school and home • Access to the necessary resources (including technology and the internet) • The design of the learning • Good advice and support for you and your child How blended learning will work in Scotland Some things will change and others will stay the same: • Your child will still follow Scotland’s CfE from age 3 to 18 npfs.org.uk/downloads/cfe-in-a- nutshell • Class teachers will still plan and organise what your child learns • Your child will get regular face-to-face teaching in school • Teachers will provide lessons, materials and activities according to the age and stage of your child • They’ll make sure your child can get what they need by way of notes, PowerPoint, videos, diagrams and so on • Your child won’t have to wait a long time before they can get help from a teacher • They’ll get additional support with learning if needed • Schools will work with you and others to make sure that your child gets what they need How blended learning will happen will be different in different local council areas. But all schools must follow Public Health Scotland guidance. And all must meet certain educational standards. So, HM inspectors of education will be checking the plans for every local council area to make sure of this.

5Blended learning • NPFS Nutshell Parents’ concerns Many parents are concerned about what blended learning means for their children. Teachers are trained to plan lessons and teach children. They will apply their training to blended learning, as they do for any other kind of learning. Local councils, schools and nurseries have followed national guidance and planned how blended learning will work in their settings. These plans are ready to be put in place whenever they are needed, so that children’s education can continue. There are many other concerns for parents including working parents, parents who are key workers, those with disabled children/children with special needs, nursery and out-of-school provision, public transport, health and more. Coronavirus has led to big changes in all our lives. It’s natural to have concerns. Things will be different for a while, but not for any longer than they need to be. Do let your school know if things are not working or if you need advice. We’ll keep you updated as best we can. Check our social media for latest news and keep an eye on the Scottish media for the plans for Scotland’s schools. How schools will support children and parents Your school will be in touch if they need to move into blended learning, so you know what to expect and how it will work in your school and area. You and your child can also contact the school at any time to let teachers know how learning at home is going, and if you and your child need any information or support. Many children, young people and their families have had a difficult time during coronavirus, and this may continue for some time. So, teachers will be doing what they can to improve the health and wellbeing of all children and young people. They’ll reflect this in their approach to blended learning, and allow extra time to take account of children’s anxieties and other issues. If your child has additional support needs, your school should be the main source for discussing your child's needs. You can also find links to information and advice at the end of this Nutshell. What parents can do You’re not expected to replace your child’s teacher. The biggest difference you can make is to be as involved and interested as possible. This is a big part of CfE. The best things you can do are: Encourage your child to do what their teacher asks them to do (as best you can) Help them stick to a routine for the days when they are doing their schoolwork at home Keep them interested and involved in learning beyond this (see our Nutshell on wider achievement npfs.org.uk/downloads/ wider-achievement-in-a-nutshell) Children's learning during lockdown was a challenge for a lot of us. There are many and good reasons for this, but if your school needs to shift to blended learning it will have had longer to prepare. Your child will have regular face-to-face teaching as well as learning at home. i NEWS

6Blended learning • NPFS Nutshell enquiries@npfs.org.uk

parentforumscotland tparentforumscot AUGUST 2020 More information NPFS Parent-friendly publications and resources including: In a Nutshell series of information for parents and carers npfs.org.uk/downloads NPFS Learning Together webinars youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOYfhw7VpEoy- lVuYlFFT-8ebQt5pJrnL Education resources to support parents with learning at home npfs.org.uk/2020/03/19/school-closures- educational-resources-for-parents-and-families Activities and wellbeing resources for families npfs.org.uk/2020/03/19/activities-and-well-being- resources Back to school guide npfs.org.uk/2020/07/23/back-to-school-guidance- for-parents-and-carers BLENDED LEARNING education.gov.scot/media/ka1duf1l/ cergblendedlearningnew.pdf BLENDED LEARNING: FURTHER READING AND RESEARCH education.gov.scot/media/nzme4xxa/ ergblendedlearningfurtherreadingresearchnew.pdf UP-TO-DATE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS parentclub.scot/topics/coronavirus ACTIVITIES TO HELP SUPPORT LEARNING AT HOME education.gov.scot/improvement/scotland-learns INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS enquire.org.uk/coronavirus parentclub.scot/articles/supporting-children-and- young-people-with-additional-support-needs GLOW Scotland’s virtual learning environment (with section for parents) glowconnect.org.uk PUBLIC HEALTH SCOTLAND publichealthscotland.scot publichealthscotland.scot/news/joint-statement- on-the-reopening-of-schools-and-other- educational-settings OUTDOOR LEARNING education.gov.scot/nih/Documents/hwb24-ol- support.pdf