Returning to School after School Closures

They're heading back to school in Australia, they're planning on heading back to school next week in England. At some point, we're all going to have to find our way through the transition from lockdown at home to a new school environment. Many parents are understandably nervous and apprehensive about it. Some are choosing not to return to school right now. Some have had such a positive home schooling experience they've decided that's the way forward for them. If there's one thing parents have taken from this time, it's a clearer perspective on education. How important is it? What's the best environment for their child to learn in? Maybe even a new found appreciation for teachers!

For those children who are eligible, able and have chosen to return to school, it's important to prepare them for the changes they are going to find. After what has been the biggest change many kids have experienced in their lives, they need to head back to school with a positive mindset and an understanding that the changes are there for good reason. But we also want to balance that with them feeling safe and secure, rather than unnerved by the new environment. Even if children are genuinely excited about going back to their school, a smooth return depends on preparation. It's crucial that parents and teachers don't underestimate the impact the last few months have taken. It may take time  for children to process and show their feelings about the school closures and lockdown, so we must tread carefully, guiding our children back into new normal.

Some of the things we'll need to prepare them for include:

• distancing 
• less children in school, including perhaps the absence of some of their close friends
• extra hygiene measures
• less time in school/different schedule
• smaller groups of children in their learning groups
• smaller groups of children to play with outside
• possibility of seeing adults wearing face coverings or gloves
• changes to drop offs and pick ups

How to we go about preparing our children for these changes?

• Firstly, be prepared yourself. Know what changes will occur. Take time to think about your opinions and process your feelings about the situation your family are in in regards to returning to school.
  
• Some schools may send home information for your child before they start which can be useful. Individual schools will have personalised approaches but generally, we can all prepare our children for the basics through conversations.
  
• Before you talk to your child about their return to school, ensure you reach a place where you can frame it in a positive way to avoid them sensing any anxiety that may effect their transition.
  
• For younger children, there are videos and songs shared across social media to encourage distancing and hand washing. To help children process the information on an emotional level, we've created a workbook for you to use with your child. Have a look at our Back to School 4 - 8 year old Booklet or the older version, the​ Back to School 8-11 year old version in our online shop.

These are strange times, but with a little extra guidance from us, we can take our children smoothly through these changes.