Returning to School

17th Aug 2020

Dear Parent,

Throughout this week we will be providing you with advice and guidance to help and support you and your child returning to school.

Here are top tips for parents and carers to be prepared for returning to school

Talk to your child about happy things that happened in school
Keep in touch with school friends using technology e.g. Facetime, Zoom etc.
Show them letters, videos sent by the school
Share pictures and snap shots of things you do during lockdown
Walk past the school building, if it is close, on some of your walks
Talk to the school about transition arrangements and social distancing
Re-establish routines around meal times, bed time etc. if necessary
Share your concerns and expectations with the school
Explore potential phased return with employers to reduce anxiety around expectations and possible phased return to school

Returning to School

Talk to your child’s teacher about your child’s development during lockdown
Talk to your child’s teacher about the things your child has enjoyed the most during lockdown – their interests
Share stories and games that you have played during lockdown to support continuity during transition
Be aware of your own emotions so that you don’t transmit your anxiety to your child
Talk to the staff about your child settling in again, if their interests have changed and how they are feeling
Follow your child’s lead during the transition and respond to their emotions as they happen
Expect the school to provide a curriculum of learning with a clear focus on personal, social and emotional development
Be positive but be honest; don’t dismiss your child’s emotional behaviour, they are showing you how they feel
Act on any concerns swiftly to minimise impact of adversity and maximise support available
Realise, what is important to you and your child when they begin to return to school?

Some Websites and Videos you may find beneficial.

We are aware that this may be a worrying and stressful time for all involved, so please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Many thanks

Brian McKenna