Sussex headteacher shares top tips to aid home-learning

Ben Evans, headmaster at Windlesham House independent prep school in Pulborough, says good habits to aid learning at home include interspersing sessions with regular exercise and fresh air, and allocating a particular learning area for children to work at.

Mr Evans said: "Many schools will have produced timetables for online learning, but depending on age, short bursts of learning around 40 to 50 minutes at a time, especially if learning is mainly screen based, works well.

"Whether it's taking a short walk at lunch time or kicking a football in the garden, time away from study to recharge is all important.

"Create a specific ‘space’ for your child to work.

A desk or small table is great if you have one but any area that indicates a space for learning, will provide the necessary separation between home and school.

Ben Evans, headmaster at Windlesham House School

"Finally, stick to the same routine each day if you possibly can, as children are used to routine at school, so this is both reassuring and familiar to them."

Mr Evans urged parents not to feel overwhelmed by the pressures of home-schooling support, especially when they are juggling work with childcare.

He said: "Once again families face considerable pressures in balancing their own jobs with home schooling support and this is no easy task, especially for those with younger children.

"But parents should not put undue pressure on themselves to replicate the day-to-day life of school at home.

"Schools are much better equipped this time around to provide comprehensive online academic programmes and live lessons, which will ensure that pupils are learning and making progress in their subjects.”

Mr Evans insists that maintaining a routine and providing some structure to each day will help.

He added: “My advice to parents is to stick to a regular time for breakfast each morning, together as a family if you can.

"Encourage your child to get dressed just as they would if they were going to school, it helps to create the right mindset to start the day.

"All children will adapt to remote learning in different ways, but what last year has taught us is that our children our extremely resilient and will rise to the challenge, given the right support and encouragement.”

Many schools are starting the day with an online tutor session for pupils to make contact with their teacher and classmates.

Mr Evans believes this time with friends and teachers is incredibly important.

He said: “Encouraging children to maintain regular contact with their school friends in a safe way is so important.

"That in-person social interaction children take for granted while in school, is the one thing that is missing while they learn at home.

"Building friendships and socialising is important not only for children’s mental wellness, but also for enjoying some fun, happiness and social time together.

"A happy child will always be more receptive to learning.”