Council and charity in bid to relieve parents’ fears over kids’ returning to school

Scottish Borders Council has moved to assuage the fears held by some parents of schoolchildren over the full-time return of pupils from Tuesday of next week (August 11).
Kids head back to school on Tuesday, but some parents are concerned for their safety.Kids head back to school on Tuesday, but some parents are concerned for their safety.
Kids head back to school on Tuesday, but some parents are concerned for their safety.

The Southern reported last week of the plans to get the region’s kids back to school following the coronavirus lockdown.

Special arrangements are in place, including increased hygiene measures, staggered break and lunch times, and timetable changes to minimise pupil movements between classrooms in secondary schools.

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However, pupils will not be required to wear a mask either in school, or travelling there or back home, apart from where they are on a bus service used by the general public.

This led to worried parents commenting on our Facebook page that they intend to keep their children at home as they believe it won’t be safe to send them.

For example, Robin Roams said: “I don’t feel it’s definitely safe, so no, mine are not going back until I can see that it is.”

Christine Ewing said: “You will get the idiots at school that will think its funny to cough in people’s faces in playground.

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“I think it’s totally diabolical sending kids back, especially when there’s a second wave on its way.”

Keith Gerrard asked: “What if they bring Covid-19 home to elderly family members?

And Clare Hutchinson wrote: “Given that schools cannot control the outbreak of head lice, I’m not convinced how they can control Covid-19. It’s definitely a huge worry for parents.”

The council is asking any parent who has misgivings to talk it over with the relevant headteacher.

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A spokesman for the council said: “We understand that parents, carers and young people may be concerned about going back to early-years settings and schools in the current circumstances.

“We will endeavour to ensure that they have all the necessary information before August 11 so that they are aware of all arrangements and are as confident as possible about the safety of pupils and staff. “Information can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/schoolreopening and will be added to on a daily basis this week.

“Should parents still have concerns come next week, they should contact schools and headteachers will do all they can to support attendance.

“Home learning will not be provided to any pupil where their parent/carer chooses not to send them to school.”

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The charity Children 1st’s Parentline is also offering a new service to help concerned parents after it had received an increasing number of calls.

Parentline, staffed by a highly-skilled team, says it will will offer specific help and advice about how best to support children with practical and emotional issues as schools reopen.

Mary Glasgow, the chief executive of Children 1st, said: “As a parent, I know how tough it has been over the last few months with the schools being closed and all the challenges that has brought.

“Despite everything, children and families come through that and now the next challenge for many parents is the first day of school.

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“Over the last few weeks, lots of parents and carers have been coming to us with worries about their children’s return to school.

“This includes parents with children starting P1 and S1 who have particular concerns about whether their children will cope.

“That is why we have set up this new service so parents and carers can talk through any worries or fears they have and get advice on how best to support their children.

“Children 1st Parentline is there for every family.

“Please do get in contact over the phone, online or through webchat if you think a chat might help. ”

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Parentline can be contacted over the phone on 08000 28 22 33 or via webchat at www.children1st.org.uk/parentline.

Ann Jarvis, from Children 1st Parentline, put together some of her top tips to help make the first day back at school go as smoothly as possible.

She said: “By just sitting with your child and listening to any concerns and worries your child may have can make all the difference.

“Allow them to tell their story and really listen to what they’re saying.

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“Bear in mind that none of us really like change – but change is much easier when we know what’s coming and can talk through our feelings.

“Talking and listening to your child about what they expect on their first day is a great way to prepare. Meanwhile, it’s important for parents to give themselves a break and accept that everyone is learning.”

Ann also says it’s important to be prepared.

She added: “There’s plenty of advice and information from schools about practical preparations: uniform, shoes, bag, lunch, labels on clothes.

“Perhaps ask your child if they would like to help you pack their school bag so they know exactly where everything is and will also help them get into a routine.

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“Talking and listening to your child about what they expect on their first day is also a great way to prepare. ”

In addition, routines help children to feel secure and settled so Ann would encourage parents to talk through the basics and perhaps do a trial run before their first day.