Lytham teacher shares top tips for preparing your child for the return to school

Like any change, parents can play a role in enabling the transition to be positive, by talking about what to expect and how they feel.

Amanda Briggs, AKS Prep School PSHE coordinator; wellbeing lead and Year Three teacher, shares some practical advice for families.

Preparing for the return:

* Talk to your child about what to expect and how school will look and feel different; what the new procedures are and why they are in place. The importance of handwashing and how social distancing will be encouraged in school COVID guidance.

* Give your child time to digest the information and ask any questions and share any worries. Offer reassurance to help settle their mind. The calmer and more positive you are, the more confident your child will be. You might also discuss what might help them feel more comfortable returning (support from you or school).

When you collect your child from school:

* Encourage your child to talk about their day in a tone which shows you expect a positive response. What did they do? What was the best bit? How did they find the new routines? Was there anything they found hard?

* Listen attentively, ask open questions, empathise with how they feel.

* Coping with feelings:

Try these ideas to help your child cope if their feelings overwhelm them:

* Make a special place in their room or make a Coping Toolbox, filled with things that remind them of good times, or which may make them feel better. Examples include photos of friends or family, a special gift, a favourite teddy, or toy.

* Create a Feelings Chart to help them communicate how they are feeling. It could use numbers, colours or pictures which reflect a variety of things they may feel (e.g. sun, rain, storm; or 1-10 on a ‘happiness’ or ‘worried’ scale).

* Keep a Feelings Diary, to track how they are feeling over time.

* Make a Happy & Worry jar or box - decorate it and write messages to ‘post’ in the jar.

* Choose three ways to feel better. Create a list of ways to feel better, write them down and keep them in a jar. Draw three out at random. Examples include: have a dance, listen to a favourite piece of music, colour or draw a picture, smell your favourite smell, hug a toy, think of a happy memory, send a friend a positive message, ask for help, watch television, read a book, imagine your favourite place, have a nap.

* Take 5 deep breaths or imagine you are blowing the biggest bubble.

AKS is holding a virtual open week between October 5-11. Register at www.akslytham.com 01253 784100.