Schools – booklet to help families return to school
Schools have been open for children of key workers and the most vulnerable children throughout the lockdown, however as mentioned earlier, the Government has announced early years settings, primary school reception, years 1, 2 and 6 can return from 1 June. Secondary school years 10 and 12 will have some face-to-face contact from 15 June.
For all children, and particularly young children, going back to school with new structures and routines in place is going to feel very different. Schools across Wiltshire are working very hard to prepare pupils for these changes and the council is providing guidance and support where it is needed.
The council’s Schools Team has created a new information guide for parents and carers to support them get their children ready to return. The booklet provides useful advice and tips including:
- Talk about the positives of going back to school
- Talk about all the things you have done during the lockdown period
- Think about ways for them to connect with their friends before going back
- For younger children explain when this is going to happen i.e. there are so many sleeps before going back
- Encourage open discussion
- Start to encourage the number of times your children wash their hands and practise maintaining social distancing
- Share school information with them to help them prepare for the changes
- Put a routine in place in the run up to going back – get your child to talk to you about what the routine will look like
The booklet can be accessed online – www.wiltshire.gov.uk/downloads/22821