Here's what you need to know before your child goes back to school on March 8
It's back to school, but it's not back to normal for pupils and their families
From Monday the 8th of March, primary, secondary schools and colleges will open to all children in England.
It's the first step of the Government’s roadmap out of the COVID-19 restrictions, but although its "back to school" it's certainly not "back to normal" just yet.
What's going to happen in schools to keep my child safe?
The Government says education is a national priority and is vital for children's education and wellbeing.
They're asking schools to go to great lengths to ensure they are as safe as possible ahead of the return.
New measures include:
- Twice weekly COVID-19 testing for teachers and secondary school students.
- Twice weekly COVID-19 testing for parents even if they have no symptoms.
- Pupils in secondary schools and colleges are advised to wear face coverings in all areas if social distancing is not possible.
WATCH: TV Doctor Amir Khan tells Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle about the changes
Are restrictions put in place last year still happening?
Yes, as well as new testing, and revised guidance on face masks, we will still see:
- Pupil bubbles, and increased hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing.
- Opening windows to let in fresh air.
- Staggered break and lunch times.
WATCH: The Department for Education has produced this video to make people aware of the changes
Will my child be expect to take a test?
Pupils will first learn how to take three tests in their school or college so they can then do it confidently at home.
All teaching staff (primary and secondary) and secondary school pupils will then be asked to do rapid lateral flow tests at home twice a week after they return to the classroom.
The official Government guidance says: "Testing is voluntary and your child will not be tested unless they (if they are aged over 18) or you (or another parent/carer) have given informed consent.
"We strongly encourage you and your child to take part, to help us break chains of transmission and manage the virus.
"Your child will not be stopped from returning to school or college if you or they choose not to be tested or are not able to undertake a test, and will return to face-to-face education in line with their school or college’s arrangements.
What else do I need to know?
Here are some tips to make Monday morning run as smoothly as possible.
Don't leave it until the last minute
Use the last week of home-schooling to prepare your children for their return to school. According to our expert Nicola, getting the kids gradually back into a routine of early nights and early mornings will help to ease pressure during the first week back, as could minimising screen time. Having an open conversation with your child about these changes to routine can help them to understand that you are doing it to help them.
Packing PE kits and lunches beforehand will also help to alleviate stress for both you and your child, and checking that uniforms still fit will help to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible come Monday.
Talk them through what school might look like
Talking your child through what school will look like can help prepare them for the new environment. This could be presented to them as a story, explaining that they will enter the classroom and wash their hands, and that their teacher will be wearing a mask.
Keep school discussions positive
It is important to keep conversations about school positive and reassuring. Remind your children that they will get to see their friends and have fun! Try to avoid conversations about working hard or catching up on work. After months of being told that staying away from school will help keep people safe, it may also help to emphasise that school is a safe environment to ease anxiety about returning.
Talk to the school
It is important to inform the school of problems that may be going on at home to ensure they can deal with different issues sensitively. Nicola suggests contacting the school before Monday to update staff on any issues that have may have impacted your child's mental health, such as bereavement, serious illness or separation.
Make a worry box
Using creativity can be a great way to help a child express their concerns about returning to school. Nicola suggests making a worry box for primary aged kids to help them talk through and alleviate their anxieties. Similarly, a worry monster toy could be used as a prop to encourage children to open up about their feelings on returning to school.
Watch a film on Sunday
Nicola suggests watching a film as a family the day before school's return to promote a sense of togetherness which might help to reduce children's anxiety and lead to a better night's sleep.
Trust your child's resilience!
Kids are very resilient, so any worries they might have probably won't impact them as negatively as you expect. Nicola highlights that it is important that parents don't project their own worries onto their children. She says: "Remember they have been used to this new way of schooling for nearly a year. Children are far more resilient than we give them credit for!"
Leave time for you
It's not just the kids who are anxious about the return to school; the months of home schooling has taken a toll on parents and carers too. Nicola compares preparing your kids for school with an emergency on a plane: "when we go on an aeroplane, the parent is asked to put their oxygen mask on first! It is not selfish to put your needs first." Looking after your own mental health can actually improve your parenting, with Nicola adding: "When you're in a better place mentally, you are naturally a better parent."