The UK Government has now announced there will be a full return to schools in September and we anticipate there will continue to be updates to the guidance already issued which we will continue to upload here, especially when in relation to SEND.   The latest government update can be found here

Many children will be facing transition to new classes, new year groups and/or new settings in September which even in normal circumstances is a daunting prospect.  A lot will have missed crucial transition days and the opportunity to meet their new classmates, teachers and support staff.

We are currently building a library of resources that we have sourced, from social stories around social distancing to a back to school guide written by an autistic teenager for other autistic teenagers, and a whole host of other resources in between!   If you come across some good ones elsewhere – please email us on corona@essexfamilyforum.org so we can share with other parents.

Resources

Map of Considerations –  Back to School Mind Map

A teenager’s guide to returning to school

School Bubble Social Story to explain how Bubbles work in schools

My Lockdown experience –  symbols for your child to share what they have been doing during Lockdown

My Back to School Bubble – a downloadable book to share with your child

Video Tips  for how to deal with anxiety around returning to school.

Moving to Secondary School – Useful Resources for you and your child on moving to secondary school (from the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities)

Information on Returning to School  from the Mental Health Foundation – Lots of helpful tips and resources.

NASEN have created these two leaflets which, whilst not COVID-19 specific, contain lots of relevant questions and information
Returning to School after a period of absence   and  Managing Transitions beyond Year 11

Reports and Consultations

Young Minds Summer Survey – How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services publish a Discussion Paper on the impacts of COVID-19 for children and families throughout the UK.

Webinar & Resources Link The, always informative, Steve Broach from Essex Chambers delivered Webinar on  legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities returning to School in September.

Communications

Open Letter from Vicky Ford MP and Helen Whately MP to children and young people with SEND on the re-opening of Schools in September

Essex County Council’s Letter to Parents and Carers on returning to school in September 2020