From health and safety to mental health advice, Parent Club has created a new Back to School and Nursery digital hub which includes a range of FAQs on the official guidance, as well as advice from teachers and experts to help parents support their children as they prepare to return to nursery and other childcare settings, and to also support their children as they return to the classroom.
National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch; Primary and Nursery Headteacher Kevin Brack; Early Years Psychologist, James McTaggart; Scottish Teacher of the Year 2018, Chris Smith and Dr Janet Goodall are amongst a range of professionals who have provided reassurance to parents on the health and safety measures being put in place and advice on how they can support their children prepare to return to school following the Covid-19 pandemic.
National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch, (pictured above) said: “The scientific advice shows the progress we’ve made together which means the virus is now at very low levels and it is safe for schools and nurseries to reopen from 11 August. Our guidance clearly sets out the approach that must be taken, including a number of specific risk-mitigation measures that will need to be introduced in all schools in order that they provide a safe environment for staff and pupils.
“We know it’s been a challenging few months for parents and sending children back to schools and nursery will bring a mix of emotions for both parents and children. It’s important to acknowledge how everyone is feeling. This back to schools advice and guidance will hopefully help to reassure parents and ensure they feel as prepared as possible and able to support their children.”
Headteacher at Oxgangs Primary School in Edinburgh, Kevin Brack said: “Your school will talk to your child about rules for that individual school but it’s important to remind your child before they come back to school that there will be changes. There’s going to be lots of new routines and different rules in the school from how things were previously. All staff in schools are there to support your child and to make your child feel happy and safe within school, so encourage them to listen carefully to the new arrangements, but encourage them to ask questions too.”
Parent Club is a digital information resource, support hub and online community offering practical advice and support for parents and carers across Scotland. The site includes a range of information from experts, the Scottish Government and from trusted voices of other parents and teachers who share their tips and experiences.
The Parent Club Back to School video series includes:
- National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch, explains the health and safety guidelines being put in place, from travelling to school and wearing face coverings to physical distancing whilst there.
- Dr Janet Goodall from the Learning Foundation offers advice on how parents can support their child’s learning as they return to the classroom.
- Early Year Education Psychologist, James McTaggart speaks about the emotional wellbeing of both children and parents
- Kevin Brack, Headteacher at Oxgangs Primary School in Edinburgh, explains how parents can ensure their children are best prepared for returning to primary school and Chris Smith, Scottish Teacher of the Year 2018, will give his advice on those returning to high school.
To find out more visit parentclub.scot/startback and follow @ParentClubScotland on Facebook and @parentclubscot on Twitter.