Remote and hybrid learning: when and how should you use it?

Understand the requirements around providing remote learning, when you should offer it and what you need to do to prepare. Plus, read tips about how to make remote learning work best for your school.

Last reviewed on 4 September 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 46959
Contents
  1. You're not legally required to provide remote learning, but you should
  2. Create a remote learning policy
  3. Know when remote learning is appropriate
  4. Decide what remote learning looks like for your school
  5. Help staff prepare for remote learning
  6. Make your remote learning provision accessible to pupils with SEND
  7. Support parents to help their children effectively at home
  8. Keep on top of safeguarding and attendance remotely
  9. Provide IT equipment when necessary

You're not legally required to provide remote learning, but you should

The old requirement that schools were legally bound to provide remote learning expired on 24 March 2022.

Since then, the DfE’s guidance on remote learning has been non-statutory.

Create a remote learning policy

You might not know in advance when remote learning might be needed. Create your policy in advance so you have something to lean on if it does happen. 

Use our template to save you time.

When your school is closed or there are restrictions on who can attend This is likely where: You can’t open your school safely, such as on a snow day Opening your school would contradict government guidance, such as in a public health crisis If your school is partially or fully closed due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), the DfE's guidance (pages 11 and 12) explains that remote learning should only be