Yes, we have had their school bags packed since July. No, we don’t feel guilty about it. But I think it is safe to say that, as parents, we are more than ready for their return to school– given that the large majority of children have not seen the inside of a classroom since March. The growing concern, however, is the ‘what-to-expect’ element. Cancelled assemblies, no afterschool clubs and individual desks thus far paints a pretty grim picture for their return. There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s clear that schools have been working tirelessly to create a safe and productive space for children- so how do we ensure that they are emotionally prepared to return? Rumours of scary looking teachers head to toe in PPE and children being whisked off to test centres in the middle of maths like a scene from ‘E.T’ are enough to make us all think twice. So let us bust the myths and give you some practical advice on how we can we prepare the little ones (and big ones) for a fear-free approach to the new academic year.
Myth 1 – My child will have to be remain 2m apart from their friends and have their temperature taken every day.
There is no expectation that primary children will be socially distancing, older children will be asked to use their common sense as the risk of transmission is greatly reduced when spending less time close together. As part of the government’s guidance to avoid congestion around schools, bubbles of up to 30 (or more in secondary) will move together around the building, avoiding other ‘bubbles’. The idea being if one pupil tests positive only their bubble will have to isolate. Staggered mealtimes and start and finish times will also minimise contact. Temperatures may be checked if a child becomes unwell during the school day, however they should not be checked as a matter of course. The crucial part of school reopening is ensuring the hygiene and water facilities are up to scratch. Talk to your child about regular handwashing, coughing and sneezing into the elbow and throwing tissues in the bin.
Myth 2- My child is going to be expected to pick up where they left off with high academic expectations.
The emphasis for the first part of the year will be very much on children’s mental health, with the government stating that the priority needs to be on children’s well-being; refreshing news to our ears. A full timetable should resume by summer but play and friendship based activities will reshape the curriculum until then- with catch-up lessons to go over missed work. This makes way for activities such as rich poetry experiences and music lessons to express feelings and share stories.
Myth 3- Schooling is not compulsory yet and I can choose to send them back or not.
The government have stated that schooling from autumn is compulsory- parents can be fined if children do not return.
How Can we Support At Home?
We may be through with home schooling (phew) but supporting children with their emotions is as important as ever. Here are a few ways we can check-in with them:
Find a space to talk. Getting children to talk about their school day is no mean feat at the best of times. We’re often met with grunts and huffs of a non-descript nature and now will be no exception. Try ease in a chat on a short walk, over dinner or during a play activity. If your young child is particularly worried, tried sharing this book with them by Axel Scheffler:
https://nosycrowcoronavirus.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Coronavirus_ABookForChildren.pdf
Continue With New Hobbies. O.K, so we didn’t all learn three languages, learn to crochet and play the mandolin during lockdown (oh, you did? Well done). There might, however, be something from lockdown that they’ve taken a particular interest in or had more to time to work on– encourage this further by looking out for local clubs to attend or setting time aside on the weekends to revisit it.
Reassure them about what will stay the same. Focusing on what they can expect to stay the same is very reassuring to children. Lessons, homework and familiar faces will allow them to remember the positive aspects of school and make it seem less daunting. Explaining expectations of school to children beforehand will help them adjust quicker- schools should be communicating the new guidance to you.
Most importantly, acknowledging that we have all been through challenging times and offering our support, nurture and love is what they need from us. Remind them it is normal to have questions and feel anxious at times, respond positively and we will be giving The Class Of 2020/2021 the best start.
