This summer we are all probably anxiously awaiting the return to school and mixed feelings about our children returning. The pandemic has impacted and disrupted all of our lives but no more so than our children whose school year was abruptly ended and replaced with home schooling and reduced contact with friends.

September will be the first time that many children have been in school in nearly six months and returning to school might be a big adjustment for them. It also might be hard for parents seeing them go back whilst the pandemic is still ongoing.

What are the schools doing?

Research has shown that those under 16 are far less likely to suffer from Covid-19 or be carriers of it. This offers some comfort, but all schools are still taking preventive measures to reduce any transmissions of Covid-19.

Most schools have not closed completely and have been open for key worker children, as well as Reception, Year One and Year Six from June, so they have some experience in managing smaller numbers and preventing mixing of groups. The guidance for schools is to set up bubbles that mean that child/ren will be in a group that won’t be able to mix with other bubbles. This limits the amount of exposure that both children and the teaching staff will have. Social distancing will be maintained where possible although it is not expected in the lower years in primary schools between children.

What can you do?

Your child’s outlook on going back to school should determine your approach. If your child hasn’t been back to school since March, they may need reassurance that it is safe to return and what to expect. If you don’t have the information to answer their questions, you should contact the school for information. If your child is particularly anxious then you should ask to speak to their teacher so that you can work together on tackling their concerns and make the return easier.

It is also important to involve them as you normally would do in the return to school, such as choosing uniform and shoes, although this year you might do this online and will be trying on items at home. You will also need to understand what items the children can take into school as they may not need stationery for example or may need additional items as sharing resources is not possible. Your school should provide you with the requirements.

Also, you need to prepare for changes in drop-off/pick up arrangements and before/after school arrangements to manage your time around school and maintain social distancing at the school gates. But maybe the hardest thing to prepare for will be the potential for the sudden closure of the school or bubble that your child is in if there is a positive test for Covid-19 within the group or lock down commences again.

We hope that the return to school is a good experience and that the children enjoy being back at school and having some normality again.