Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic we are all currently facing changes and uncertain times. In response to this unprecedented situation we wanted to try to offer some support and advice, to help promote the wellbeing of the school community. However, as we have never faced a situation like this before there was no advice already in place. Mrs Sandie Saunders (AHT for Inclusion & Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Fliss McHale (Social, Emotional and Mental Health Lead) and Mel Newton (Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist) have collaborated to try to provide some useful information, resources and links to appropriate websites. Please be mindful that we have endeavoured to check all the suggested websites but there are many links within them and checking them all would be impractical and impossible. Parents and carers are best placed to decide what they feel is appropriate for their child's needs.
Click on the link below to see this wonderful website that Rosalie in 5AH has created.
"When I started at TAB, and during lockdown, I found I worried about lots of things. I read a really good book by Jacqueline Wilson named “The Worry Website” where a class designed a website for other pupils to share the things that made them anxious. It made me think that I should do the same for TAB!
I used a template to design the website and researched lots of useful tips, videos and techniques to share with the school that have helped me. I hope you find this useful too and if you do, please share any other ideas for me to include in the future."
https://sites.google.com/view/worrywebsite/home
Phrases for Calming Anxious Children You Tube video with Pooky Knightsmith and accompanying guide written by Mel Newton school commissioned play therapist.
Physical tools for reducing anxiety.
Good youtube channel ‘New Horizon’ children's meditations/calming stories- sample relaxation video (Beach Relaxation):
Guided Meditation for Children | BEACH RELAXATION | Kids Sleep Meditation
Some Book recommendations around anxiety:
A site created for parents, carers and professionals to support young people; to pool together resources from across the internet that are available to help support your mental health and wellbeing. VERY USEFUL.
Pooky Knightsmith possible suggestion for working at home during this time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odb5gFG4EI4&feature=youtu.be
The Education Endowment Foundation (EFF) have produced a series of checklists to help parents and children manage their routines.
Supporting home learning routines: Planning the day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foxPCzB84XA&feature=youtu.be
Trainers Dr Shoshanah Lyons, Clinical Director & Clinical Psychologist. Cost of £10.00 and closing date past but still available.
https://beaconhouse.org.uk/training/online-parent-carer-seminar-how-to-promote-your-childs-self-esteem/
A coping guide for parents of children with ADHD:
https://adhdireland.ie/covid-19-a-coping-guide-for-parents-with-adhd-children/
Information and Podcast supporting children with SEND although helpful ideas for all children. Created by Steph Reed a teacher of Autistic children. Has a link to download a free trial of WIDGITs, useful for creating Social Stories:
https://www.autismspectrumteacher.com/11-ideas-to-help-children-at-home-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
Information and Social Stories to explain COVID produced by Sheffield NHS:
Coronavirus resources for children and families
Sheffield Children’s NHS leaflet with Tips for looking after yourselves:
Support helplines for victims of domestic violence
The Sussex Mental Healthline offers crisis care for people in urgent need of help with their mental health. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/sussex-mental-healthline