You can help to slow the spread of Coronavirus!

• Make sure you and your children follow these general principles to prevent spreading any respiratory virus:
• Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you feel unwell, stay at home and don’t attend work or school.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.
• If you’re worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111 – don’t go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment.

Department for Education Coronavirus helpline - this helpline has been set up to answer questions about the virus related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline.

• Phone: 0800 046 8687
• Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
• Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

Coronavirus and Mental Health for children

Please see below the latest DfE Covid-19 guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health during this challenging period.

Department for Education – DfE guidance for supporting children and young people’s mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak

Coronavirus – a book for children - a free information book explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler

Young Minds - Visit the Coronavirus advice and mental health support adviceMental Health Foundation - Top tips for open and honest conversation regarding the pandemic

NSPCC – Advice to support children struggling with their mental health or anxiety about COVID-19.

Save the Children - As leading experts on childhood Save the Children are sharing drama-based relaxation exercises which are part of their * HEART program for children living in stressful situations (*Healing and Education through the Arts). Relaxation Activities to Do at Home with KidsSchool closings, sick friends and family members, isolation at home – these and other factors can cause anxiety and stress for children during this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the world’s leading expert on childhood, we’re sharing these drama-based relaxation exercises that are part of our global Healing and Education through the Arts (HEART) program for children living in stressful situations.

Children’s Commissioner - A relevant and interesting blog with links to resources to support young people and their mental health