Kewaigue Primary School pupils are using video conferencing technology to help keep in touch with their teachers and friends.

While the majority of children are learning from home at the moment, regular scheduled video conferencing sessions with their teachers are giving children and staff opportunities to maintain relationships and collaboration.

Following a risk assessment, implementation of security features and an agreed protocol with parents, the sessions have now started in earnest for the school to maintain its sense of community through a range of activities.

They are carrying on during the Easter break too.

Headteacher Adrian Shorthouse said: ’I’m conscious that many of the children are missing their friends and teachers.

’Over the last fortnight, we as a staff have been investigating the use of video conferencing to help bring our school community together at this difficult time.

’This technology provides an opportunity for some short fun and interactive sessions to be delivered to classes by the Kewaigue staff, in addition to the learning platforms we are using.

’There is of course no obligation for the children to join the sessions, but it has proven very popular so far,’ he said.

’It is my strong belief, that staff need to retain good lines of communication and feel supported themselves, so we are also having weekly virtual staff meetings to share information and ideas.

’The staff have also been known to have more informal conferencing sessions in between - just for fun!’