Dina Maktabi, founder of the award-winning website Kensington Mums, where mums share knowledge and experiences to help fellow mums learn from one another. Dina’s tips for safe return to school in this most unusual of autumns will help with the practical aspects and also calm those feeling a little worried.
Back to school planning will look different for many parents this year. It’s not just school uniform that will be a priority concern. The current pandemic situation means a lot of parents will feel anxious and children may feel uneasy about the changes and new rules put into place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By supporting children and showing them how to act, we can minimise stress as well as preventing the spreading of the virus.
Preparation goes a long way
Get prepared for the school drop off as much as at the moment it may seem like you will be elated, it may surprise you as a parent how anxious you and or your child are after the six months off and pandemic concerns. So practice saying your goodbyes by role playing; making sure you take a turn at pretending to be the child, as well as the parent.
Learn the new routine
Learn the new routine for drop offs and pick ups, which may mean a new entrance or exit, different drop off times and different timings for year groups.
Review hand washing techniques
Practice proper techniques to wash your hands with younger children so it becomes more like habit, and explain to them why it is so important. Remind them to use soap and water to wash their hands every time they cough or sneeze, too, and explain that not touching their face will help keep your children safe.
Prepare your children for social distancing measures
Talk to your children about precautions such as social distancing from other children, and why it is necessary to avoid close contact, and how they will be put into bubbles of 15 or less children.
Car pools
If you are doing a rota with another family, ensure everyone is wearing masks that cover the nose and mouth for the duration of the journey.
Policies
Find out the schools policies and if they need to shut due to a positive COVID-19 case.
Start to establish a bedtime routine
Start to establish a good sleep bedtime routine now as it has probably been all out of sync the last six months and will be difficult to get back into. Start to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier as this is difficult to get back into the sync of.
School tools
Organise your children’s pencils, pencil cases, bags, PE kits fully labelled to ensure they don’t confuse theirs with anyone else’s.
Make sure your child is happy and excited about returning
This is the most important of all as you don’t want any anxiety forming for school, make sure you talk to your child and they voice any concerns or worries they may have.
Organise
Check what you need now for school now while there is still time to order online and go to the shops, don’t leave it till the last minute or you may find they have run out of sizes and colours you need!
Keep up to date with local authorities’ advice. Frequently asked questions on what is and is not allowed in your area may be available on government websites, as will healthcare resources and information useful in supporting children and young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Those will pre-existing medical conditions may be at increased risk to the virus, so take extra care.
Most of all, good luck and enjoy the new school year!
Dina invites you to be part of their community. “Everyone is welcome to share in your experiences, advice, and top tips. This platform is made for Mums by Mums.
Kensington Mums is a very active, engaging and supportive online community, we would love to hear from you. In case you wanted to share a latest family day out, family holiday or favourite hang out in London with your gang. Drop us an email, just to say hello.”
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