Supporting a child returning to school after lockdown

Although, many children will be feeling excitement about the prospect of returning to school and being with their friends again, some may be feeling anxious or uncertain. Below are some ideas to help prepare your child for their return to school.

1. Talk to your child about how they are feeling

• What are they looking forward to?
• What are they not looking forward to?
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2. Share information with your child about what the school day and routines will be like

    (The structure will be very similar to our return in September 2020)

• What will be the same?
• What will be different?

• Resources:

FAQs for parents

FAQs for children

School safety plan

3. Re-establish a routine to help ease back into school life

• Gradual transition
• Readjust bed times
• Get into a healthy routine
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4. Seek support if you need it

• Talk to school if your child is struggling with:

Going back to school

Experiencing difficulties whilst at school

5. Limit rolling news and social media as it can cause a lot of anxiety

• Remind children of the facts
• Explain what false or sensationalised information is
• Create opportunities for your child to ask questions about the things they see online

6. Share Childline's Calm Zone 

• Activities to help children let go of stress and find what works best for them:

breathing exercises, activities, games, videos

https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/

MHST are a CAMHS mental health support team based in schools within the borough of Lewisham. They are currently offering online interventions to parents and carers to equip them with the skills needed to manage any worries or anxieties that their children may have about returning to school post-lockdown.  Further information can be found in the leaflet below.

Advice for Parents / Carers