OAK BITES 17^th JULY 2020

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Mental Wellbeing: a message from Mrs Cooper

As the end of term is in sight, and school is busy making sure that everything is in place for our return to school in September, we thought we would share some resources that we have been made aware of, and are available for parents and guardians to use to support children over the summer break and before they return to school if they wish.

Whilst many children have returned to school already, for some the new autumn term will be their first time stepping into a classroom since lockdown began. Understandably, this may be a strange or worrying time for some children and parents, but we would like to reassure you that supporting children’s mental wellbeing during the return to school is a key priority for us.

Please do have a look through the links below, as there may be ideas/activities and suggestions that would be of benefit to your child.

Mindfulness calendar - Mentally Healthy Schools

Practising mindfulness over the summer break will help your child deal with any anxieties or worries for when they return to school. This resource is a two-week calendar with a mindfulness activity suggested each day, which you could use for the last two weeks of summer.

https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/mindfulness-calendar-daily-five-minute-activities?pdf=coronavirus-toolkit-return-to-school

Self-care summer activity pack - Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families

Help children create their own self-care plan for the summer holidays with this activity pack.

https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/self-care-summer-activity-pack?pdf=coronavirus-toolkit-return-to-school

Going back to school - Partnership for Children

You could work through this sheet with your children to explore the things they may be worried about when going back to school, and ways to calm those worries.

https://www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk/uploads/Files/PDFs/Resilience%20Activities/Going%20back%20to%20school.pdf

Tips for returning to school video – Nip in the Bud

In this short video, clinical psychologist Dr Jess Richardson shares straightforward suggestions for parents, carers and teachers to deal with any potential apprehension or anxiety children may experience on returning to school. There is also an accompanying fact sheet that is recommended to read.

https://nipinthebud.org/information-films/tips-for-returning-to-school/

Letting go & future plans – Partnership for Children

An important part of preparing to go back to school is to reflect on what has happened during coronavirus, as well as looking forward to the future. Completing this simple activity sheet with your child will help them let go of things they may have missed out on during the lockdown.

https://www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk/uploads/Files/PDFs/Resilience%20Activities/Letting%20Go%20and%20Future%20plans.pdf

‘My Back to School Bubble’ e-book – e-Bug and NABU

This simple, illustrated e-book is ideal for parents of young children to explore what the return to school might look like, and help them feel more prepared.

https://ebug.eu/eng_home.aspx?cc=eng&ss=1&t=Information%20about%20the%20Coronavirus

Self-care kit – NHS

Practising good self-care is another important way children can get ready for the return to school. This kit has lots of ideas and activities for children, including mindful colouring, breathing exercises, an emotional check-in, a self-soothe box and more.

https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/self-care-kit?pdf=coronavirus-toolkit-return-to-school

Smiling Mind - app

Technology can be a great tool for encouraging mindfulness in children. This app features lots of mindfulness and meditation activities specifically designed for parents and children to do together. (Please note that adults should always explore apps first before sharing with children, and should always monitor their use of apps.)

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app

We hope that you find some of these resources helpful for your child, or indeed other family members. As a school, we will be preparing ourselves so that we are fully equipped to meet the needs of all our children when they return. However if, as parents/guardians, you have any concerns about your child’s mental health over the summer break, please see the directory below.

You can find a list of support available in your area via the Youth Wellbeing Directory

• https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/youth-wellbeing/

or a list of helplines in this resource library

• https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/?ResourceFormat=Helpline?pdf=coronavirus-toolkit-return-to-school.

Other helplines that may be helpful if you or your child have concerns about mental health issues:

• SHOUT - text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for 24/7 crisis text support
• Childline - under 19 s can call 0800 1111 for free support
• Education Support - school staff can call 08000 562 561 or text 07909 341229 for 24/7 help and advice
• YoungMinds Parents Helpline - Call 0808 802 5544 for free Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm

Wishing you all a very safe and happy break from school and see you all in September.

Best Wishes

Mrs Cooper