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.
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