Remote Education
What Schools Need to Publish Online
The good news is that the guidance on remote education is simple and consistent for all schools, regardless of type or size. Your legal obligation is to ensure that pupils, parents, and carers can find clear information about your remote learning offer on your website, should it ever be needed.
What You Must Publish on Your Website
To be compliant, you need to publish information that outlines your step-by-step plan for providing remote education in the event of an emergency. This plan should cover two main scenarios:
1. Individual or Small Group Isolation: What is the procedure if a single student or a small group of students need to learn from home due to an emergency?
2. Full School Closure: What is the plan if the entire school needs to close and transition to a full remote education model?
Your remote education policy or information page should clearly explain:
The Transition Process: How the school will switch to remote learning.
Technology and Platforms: Which platforms will be used (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, or other systems).
Delivery of Education: What the remote learning experience will look like for students and what is expected of them.
Why is This Still Required?
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly circumstances can change, forcing schools to adapt with little warning. Having a pre-prepared, publicly accessible plan ensures that in any future emergency, you are fully prepared to provide continuity of education.
It is considered good practice because it:
Ensures Preparedness: Your school is ready for any eventuality that requires a shift to remote learning.
Provides Clarity: Parents, carers, and students know exactly what to expect, reducing confusion and anxiety during a stressful time.
As long as this clear, step-by-step information is available on your website, you are meeting your compliance requirements in this area.
Is Your School Website Fully Compliant?
Keeping every policy up-to-date can be a challenge. Are you certain your website meets all DfE criteria, including your remote education plan?
Acuity AI Education offers a free, instant website audit to give you peace of mind. Our AI-powered tool scans your school or trust website, checks for compliance against every statutory requirement, and flags any policies that are out of date.
See how your website scores. Get your free audit today.