Here you will find useful information and updates on the current situation concerning the Coronavirus pandemic and the changes that have been brought about because of it.
Please also see attached downloadable documents on the right hand side.
Useful Coronavirus information
- There have been big changes in our lives because of coronavirus, so the Children’s Commissioner has created a Children’s Guide to Coronavirus to help explain the situation. The guide aims to answer children’s questions about coronavirus, tell children how to stay safe and protect other people and how to help them make the best of their time at home.
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CAMHS have created the following website: www.camhs-resources.co.uk/ for young people, carers and professionals bringing together lots of helpful resources from across the internet that are available to help support mental health and well-being.
- The GM Health & Social Care Partnership has advice, information and resources to support and manage wellbeing
- Spirit of Salford Network on Facebook - if you need help or assistance with anything.
- Spirit of Salford Helpline 0800 952 1000, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 1pm (Salford City Council)
- Their is government guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people's mental health
- Anti-Baddies - helpes to explain coronavirus to children (see downloads on the right hand side of the screen)
- Resources for families/carers and workers to use with people with learning disabilities through the coronavirus restrictions (see downloads on the right hand side of the screen)
Home schooling children with SEND
Salford has a team of dedicated SEND specialist teachers and psychologists who are keen to support you with your learning at home challenges.
If your child is not currently in school and you’re struggling to get them to do their school work, or if you need some support or advice on managing their SEND needs you can email the team at lssgeneric@salford.gov.uk and one of the specialists will get back to you. They can also signpost you to other professionals who can help you or answer your questions.
Resources for parents looking after children and babies
Spingwood have also created a virtual tour for parents to use to have a look around.
They have a playground booking system for parentsto use too (see right hand side for flier)
One parent, Judith has been using the playground with her son, Joe whilst in lockdown:
“Just to let you know we have one very happy young man here today! He absolutely loved being in the park. It was the first time he’s been out since lockdown so very precious times for us.”
SIASS's top 7 apps:
- Sensory Stuck at Home – Facebook group to offer advice to help children stay regulated while indoors.
- England Athletics - Athletics at Home resources
- A really useful home learning ideas book
- Tips on home schooling for families etc
- Childline: Calm Zone
- Making your own Sensory Kit at home! - This guide is for parent carers of children and young people for whom sensory activities will help them to manage their sensory inputs more effectively.
- Soundabout’s Hello songs - Join Becca and Georgie every weekday morning at 9.30am for a bright and cheery musical welcome to the day. For people of all ages with SLD and PMLD.
Temporary legislative changes relating to coronavirus on 30th April 2020 the DfE published Education, Health and Care needs assessments and plans: guidance on temporary legislative changes relating to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The notice referred to in the guidance is available here Modification notice: EHC plans legislation changes. Minister Ford, Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, and Minister Whately, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Care, have written a joint ministerial letter to children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers.
Guidance 19.4.20 Help children with SEND continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice for parents and carers looking after children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): SEND risk assessment guidance Updated 7.5.20 to reflect the SEND regulations changes. Also added information about how the guidance affects children/young people with an EHC plan and a social worker and new information on how to keep staff and pupils safe and reduce the risk of infection in educational settings.
Guidance for children's social care services 6.5.20 Guidance updated to reflect the temporary changes made in the Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
Phased wider opening of schools, colleges and nurseries – from 1st June Government plans for schools, colleges and early years settings across England to potentially open from 1 st June: 11.5.20 Opening schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June: guidance for parents and carers, in the form of a Q&A which sets out the government’s position on more pupils returning to school from 1 June.
12.5.20 Actions for education and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020 sets out the overarching aims and principles of the next phase, and sets out the next steps for education and childcare providers. Implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings Initial planning framework 14.5.20 Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care – guidance about preventing and controlling infection, including the use of PPE in education, childcare and children’s social care settings during the coronavirus outbreak.
This guidance reflects advice from Public Health England, and builds on the Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings guidance published on 12.5.20. Unpaid carers now added to list of essential workers The government has now included unpaid carers, like parents with disabled children, to its list of essential workers and those prioritised for Covid-19 testing in England.
All of the above information along with finding out more about who is eligible for testing, how to get tested and the different types of test available can be found at Gov.uk.