Coronavirus Guidance for Parents

Please refer to the document below if your child or someone in your household is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

WHAT TO DO IF document … Covid 19 guide for parents_22.1.21

• The NHS has produced some guidance to help parents understand when their child can and cannot attend school which you may find useful: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
• The Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline is available to answer questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline by calling: 0800 046 8687
  Opening hours Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Other websites parents / carers may find helpful are as follows:

• • NHS Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
  • NHS 111 Online: https://111.nhs.uk/
  • PHE Public Info: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
  • Dorset Council: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

For tips, advice and where to get support for you/your child’s mental health during the coronavirus pandemic visit:

• This video provides some helpful advice for supporting mental health.
• Young Minds. As well as a great website (packed full of helpful info), YoungMinds also has a Parents Helpline (call free on 0808 802 5544 – Mon-Fri 9.30am – 4pm).
• The NSPCC has got some fantastic resources for children and parents – as well as Childline support too.
• The Children’s Commissioner has created a children’s guide to coronavirus to help explain the situation.

For practical advice and information if you’re affected by anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression, you can visit:

• Anxiety UK. In response to the coronavirus, they’re extending their info-line opening hours to Mon-Fri (9.30am – 5pm) and weekends (from 10am – 8pm). Call 0344 477 5774; email support@anxietyuk.org.uk; or text 07537 416905. You can also join #coronanxiety webinars and support groups, around topics such as OCD, uncertainty and claustrophobia at www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources.
• The Mix is a support service for young people, helping you take on any challenge you’re facing (from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs). Visit their website to find info about coronavirus and ideas for things to do while staying home. The Mix’s emotional support services are open as normal – and if you’re under 25 you can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you over the phone (0808 808 4994 from 4-11pm), email or webchat. You can also use their online counselling service.
• The National Autistic Society have ideas and suggestions for supporting someone with autism around routine change, anxiety and sensory issues such as hand washing. You can contact their helpline for information and advice (Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm and Fridays 9am-3pm) on 0808 800 4104.
• ChatHealth is an NHS School Nurse anonymous text messaging service, which was made available to all Middle and Senior Schools Pan Dorset from June 2017. The service is for young people aged 11-19 years old (year 7 and above) Pan Dorset and is part of a unique, multi-award-winning NHS scheme, which has been highly acclaimed by students, staff and NHS officials for improving access to healthcare for a young audience. ChatHealth is available to access Monday – Friday 8.30 – 4.30 (not Bank Holidays), whether schools are open or closed, for any queries or concerns around emotional health, physical health, sexual health, family, exams, relationships etc. on 07480 635511.