Guidance for Teachers

Important Documents

In conjunction with this document please also read the following:

Here is a quick guide for setting up online/distance learning for your pupils:

Number Lessons and Lesson Lengths

At present we have no indication of when schools/educational settings will return to normal service. However, we are aiming to deliver 12 sessions in the Summer term. We also appreciate that for both the learners and you that timetabling will have to be flexible, and you may have to diversify away from standard groupings. Do everything you possibly can to provide the best educational experience.

Get ready

Familiarise yourself with the CAVMS’ Online and Distance Learning Safeguarding Policy and Guidance for Parents, Guardians and Learners.

Connectivity Check

Do connect with a colleague or friend first to iron out any tech issues. If you are struggling, contact the office and we will try to help you. If you are having problems, try things first:

  • Move your PC/device closer to the router (if you’re far away the wi-fi signal isn’t as strong). Or use a network cable to connect your computer to the router.
  • Checking that other people in the house aren’t using the internet at the same time (e.g., streaming video or TV).
  • Test the speed of the internet connection, for example, here: https://www.speedtest.net
  • If there is a temporary problem with your line, you can contact your service provider to ask them to check for faults on the line.

Inviting your pupils to lessons

You can’t beat the personal touch, contact your parents to let them know lessons can continue, they will be thrilled to hear from you!

Please remember that all contact and arrangements of lessons must be done with the parent/carer, and not directly with the pupil.

Complete your register as normal, with all billing information and indicating the lesson was delivered online.

Prepare your teaching space

The space should be somewhere:

  • With room to play your instrument, and to set up your laptop/PC/phone.
  • Where you can focus, and that isn’t noisy (e.g., not with a washing machine on, or a TV, or other people coming and going).
  • That has a neutral background, do not have on display anything that reveals personal information about yourself or your family.
  • That isn’t an inappropriate place that you wouldn’t invite students into (like a bedroom).

Keeping Safe

There are some other things to think about as lessons will be taking place in the informal space of people’s homes rather than in the more “professional” setting of a school. It is important for the learning experience and for learners’ safety that the same behaviour is expected in online lessons that would be expected at school.

Responsible behaviour and dress.

Just as in a school or other face-to-face lesson, teachers should:

  • Dress appropriately
  • Be punctual, start and stop the lesson on time
  • Not take phone calls, message others, or use devices that aren’t needed other than that for learning.
  • Close down browsers or apps to reduce the risk of inappropriate content being visible to other learners.
  • Not take screenshots or record video of sessions (as in schools, written permissions are needed to take photos or video of children and young people).
  • Avoid sharing personal information such as phone numbers or social media accounts.
  • Avoid using inappropriate language (such as swearing) or bullying.

If you (or the learner) have any concerns…

Ask a parent/carer or responsible adult to stay within earshot of the child during the online lesson. Do let students know that if they have any concerns during the lesson, they should ask the parent/carer for help. This could include for example:

  • Technical issues with the computer or internet connection.
  • Practical issues, such as arranging the appropriate space to play their instrument.
  • Other issues, such as not being comfortable with what is happening in a lesson.
  • Tuning of, or problems with the instrument.

Please send parents the Online/Distance Learning Guidance. Any concerns can be addressed to CAVMS’ Designated Safeguarding Leads (names and contact information are as per CAVMS Safeguarding policy).

And if you have any concerns…

If you feel a student isn’t following the kind of behaviour expected in a school environment, in spite of prompting, or is concerned about something (inappropriate dress or language, for example), then stop the lesson for that learner, and contact the parent or carer later to explain, and to help resolve any issues.

This can be a wholly positive experience for both teacher and pupils and, with a little bit of practise, will successfully keep our pupils engaged and motivated during periods of social distancing and continued school closures.