Coronavirus: resources to support the return to school

Although some children have returned to school already, for many, 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, parents and carers, and schools.

We know that supporting children’s mental wellbeing during the return to school is a key priority. To help you, we’ve collected together lots of useful resources in this toolkit, all focused on making sure the return to classrooms in the autumn is a mentally healthy one.

Below are links to resources for parents and carers, featuring activities and tips for how to prepare their child for re-starting school in the autumn. 

Mindfulness calendar – Mentally Healthy Schools

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

Click here to go to the resource

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.

Click here to go to this resource

Going back to school – Partnership for Children

Parents can work through this table with their children to explore the things they may be worried about when going back to school, and ways to calm those worries.

Click here to go to this resource

Tips for returning to school video – Nip in the Bud

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

Click here to go to this resource

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.
Parents can complete this simple activity sheet with their child to help them let go of things they may have missed out on during the lockdown.

Click here to go to this resource

‘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.

Click here to go to this resource

Self-care kit – NHS

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

Click here to go to this resource

Preparing your child for the first day back at school – Trauma Informed Schools

Schools may want to share this poster with parents, which features some simple top tips for helping children feel more ready to return to the school environment.

Click here to go to this resource

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 because this is an app it has not been QA’d by our clinicians. Adults should
always explore apps first before sharing with children, and should always monitor their use of apps.)

Click here to go to this resource

Extra support
If schools or parents or carers have any concerns about children’s mental health over the summer break, they should seek support.
You can find a list of support available in your area via the Youth Wellbeing Directory, or a list of helplines in our resource library.

You could also contact:

• SHOUT - text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for 24/7 crisis text support
• Childline - under 19 s can call 0800 1111 for free support
• Young Minds Parents Helpline - Call 0808 802 5544 for free Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm