The ongoing impact of the pandemic on our lives will require both recovery and readjustment. Whilst we have all been through a shared experience we have all experienced it differently. We may have all be through the same “storm” but we have all travelled on different boats.
As we begin to make the return to school we will need to think carefully about how to support all children and young people to do this. Some individuals will benefit from more support than others and may require longer to make the readjustment. We are also, not necessarily returning to the school as we previously knew it. There have been changes to physical spaces, social expectations and for some there has been an impact on their individual well-being. It is important to highlight that for some individuals there will have been losses and significant change.
The British Psychology Society have produced a guide to support the transition back to school. The resource highlights psychological perspectives that can support the return for learners back to schools. To access this resource click here.
This resource from Place2Be is more suitable for teachers and provides many great ideas for assembly or classroom discussions and activities for all children returning to school. The resource is split into four categories: self-efficacy, hope, gratitude and connectedness.
This resource from NHS Grampian provides many practical ideas for preparing your child for their return to school. This resource is most suitable for parents and carers. It provides tips and advice about preparing and planning with your child for their first day back though, as well as, activities that can be put in place now and over the coming weeks – for instance the use of movement breaks or how to prepare your child from the reduction of learning via a screen.
NHS – Helping your child back to school after lockdown
Please access the following pages for more specific support:
For bereavement support click here.
For wellbeing resources and information please click here
For transition resources click here
Supporting children’s worries about returning to school
Returning to school will bring a range of emotions for both staff and children. Morag Donaldson, Educational Psychologist, explains that these emotions are normal in response to all that has happened and provides some tips for parents/carers.
Click here to access our returning to school worries parental leaflet
Click here to access a NHS guide to support children with school worries or concerns.
Alternative working practices
During the current Covid-19 restrictions many staff have alternative working arrangements. The British Psychology Society has provided a helpful document for advice and guidance on Working from Home
