Whilst we are closed to the majority of our pupils we are working hard to ensure we are still supporting our children and families who are at home throughout this time. We recognise the need for support not only academically, through home learning and activities to complete with your children, but also through ideas and suggestions to support your children’s wellbeing and emotional needs.
This is a very uncertain time for adults and children alike and we are aware that the vast amounts of information available through social media and the internet can be quite overwhelming for some families. Below is a series of websites and activities we have specifically chosen that we feel may be useful to you.
Wellbeing Activities for Children
Optional weekend and bank holiday activities
Lucy’s in Lockdown – a simple story to share with your children about the different emotions Lucy experiences while she is at home.
Lucy's in Lockdown
Action for Kindness calendar – below are a set of monthly calendars with an idea a day to support your wellbeing.
April 2020
May 2020
June 2020
December 2020
Coping Calendar
14 Day home challenges – below are two documents published by the ELSA Support website with daily home challenges linked to mindfulness and self-esteem. Click on the blue title of each activity to take you to the activity on their website.
Home Challenge 1
Home Challenge 2
Home Challenge 3 - June
Additional documents that might be of interest.
Wellbeing Alphabet
Literacy Trust Book - Words and pictures to comfort, inspire and entertain children in lockdown
Coronavirus information for Parents
Talking to Children about the Coronavirus – a document produced by CAMHS to support parents with talking to their children about Coronavirus. This document seems quite long at first glance but has different clearly labelled sections to read depending on the questions you or your child has. Also a factsheet from the NHS about coronavirus aimed at children. Finally an online picture book for children worried about coronavirus.
Talking to your children - CAMHS
Children's Coronavirus factsheet - NHS
Everybody Worries (by John Burgerman)
Coronavirus - A book for Children - This is a digital information book for primary school age children to help explain the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. It answers lots of questions in a child-friendly way, and aims to both inform and reassure. Published by Nosy Crow and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (illustrator of The Gruffalo).
Coronavirus - A book for children. A book by Axel Scheffler (illustrator of the Gruffalo)
Telephone Support - Hampshire and Isle of Wight Education Psychology Service (HIEPS) have set up a dedicated telephone line (01252 814 835) for parents to help answer any queries related to the emotional wellbeing of children and young people, their families and staff who know them. The telephone line is available each day from 9.30am -12.30pm and 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Also a wellbeing pack with links to useful websites.
HIEP (Hampshire & Isle of White Educational Psycology) telephone support line flyer
Family Wellbeing Pack - NHS
Parent Road Safety Newsletter - Spring Term
Childrens Therapies in Hampshire
Message from Family Support Service:-
Dear Parent/Carers,
During these difficult times it can be hard to know where to ask for help. Basingstoke Family Support Service provide free support and advice for families in need. Our Session of Support (SOS) appointments are available over the phone to assist with a concern you need help with. Please see the attached flyer for further details. Please note that you will need to ask your child’s Health Visitor, Nursery or School to refer you.
SOS leaflet for parents
NHS information - When your child is ill or injured it is very difficult to decide if/when to call your child’s GP, NHS 111, or go the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E). While the government is asking everyone to stay at home, it can be confusing to know what to do. Here is some guidance around what to do if your child shows any of the following symptoms or signs.
Parent's guide to Children's symptoms- NHS