New online information and support is being set up for families with children about to return to school in Leicestershire

Many students will be going back into classrooms for the first time in six months since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed in March
New online information and support is being set up for families with children about to return to school in LeicestershireNew online information and support is being set up for families with children about to return to school in Leicestershire
New online information and support is being set up for families with children about to return to school in Leicestershire

New online information and support is being set up for families with children about to return to school in Leicestershire.

Many students will be going back into classrooms for the first time in six months since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed in March.

Leicestershire County Council has published new practical guidance about returning to school.

The authority’s focusing on themes such as attendance, hygiene and school transport.

It’s also giving out new information about health, wellbeing and adapting to new routines.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Many of our children and young people have been out of school for some time now and the new ‘norm’ will be obviously be different from what they are used to.

“Our families have been incredibly flexible during this pandemic, taking on home schooling and making it work for them.

“School staff have done an amazing job looking after vulnerable children and the children of key workers while schools were closed to the rest of pupils. “We’d like to thank you all.”

She added: “However, now is the time to go back to school.

“We realise that people will have lots of questions about what this will look like.

“We have included some practical information about returning to school on our web pages.

“But we would like to add that schools are making their individual arrangements about when they are returning and will be contacting parents about this through their usual communication channels.”

Cllr Taylor said it will be an “anxious time” for some families after schools have effectively been shut since the spring.

“For many, attending school on a daily basis again will be a big change in routine, possibly sleep patterns too, and may even spark some social anxiety.

“This is why we have also added information about managing worries and anxiety, keeping fit, creating structured routines and the importance of a healthy diet,” stressed Cllr Taylor.

“We hope that the information we are providing will go some way towards allaying people’s concerns.”

Practical Information about returning to school in Leicestershire is available here: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/back-to-school

Hints, tips and resources about managing worries and anxiety keeping fit, structured routines and eating healthily can be found here: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/school-ready-2020

The council is also confirming its arrangements around home-to-school transport, for both mainstream pupils, and students with SEND. Check out further details here: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/school-transportFamilies are being encouraged to consider walking, cycling or scooting to school to keep healthy and help maintain social distancing. More information on sustainable ways to travel to school is available on www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/covid-19-back-to-school/

Schools in Leicestershire will return from Wednesday August 26 onwards.

All schools will be carrying out their own rigorous risk assessments and have been making their own plans for the safety of their pupils.

Information about returning will be available via your school’s usual communication routes.

You can also visit your child’s school’s website for more information.