My child is very anxious about attending – what support is on offer?

Pupils may be experiencing a variety of emotions in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, such as anxiety, stress or low mood.

This may particularly be the case for vulnerable children, including those with a social worker and young carers. It is important to contextualise these feelings as normal responses to an abnormal situation. Some may need support to re-adjust to school; others may have enjoyed being at home and be reluctant to return; a few may be showing signs of more severe anxiety or depression. Others will not be experiencing any challenges and will be keen and ready to return to school.

Attending school allows social interaction with peers, carers and teachers, which benefits wellbeing.

Back to school videos

The 'back to school' videos explore some of the changes children and young people will face and the feelings they may have when returning to school.

Resources and support

In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, there are lots of services working together as a whole system to help Children and Young People with their emotional, Mental Health and Wellbeing. You can find out where to get the right help and support and how to access each service by using the links below;

• Supporting children and young people's emotional wellbeing
  This advice is for parents/carers and education staff to help them support children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and resilience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This has been produced by the City Psychology Service.
• Relate Leicestershire - children and young people counselling
  This is a confidential counselling service for young people who are unhappy, unsettled or worried because of school, other family issues. This service is available to all young people, aged 8 - 18 years.
• Kooth
  Safe, anonymous online service, Online counsellors, Chat messaging, Discussion Boards, Useful articles, moderated forums
• Talk2sort Mediation Service
  We support young people and their families to reduce the likelihood that a young person will face homelessness in both the immediate and distant future. We believe that resolving conflict can have substantial benefits on individuals’ mental health and wellbeing, leading to a more positive future.
• Family Action
  Our work supports families when they face complex needs and challenges -including domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health issues – and it ranges from intensive family support, specialist therapeutic work, conflict management and relationship support, and advice and wellbeing services.
• Central Point of Access
  For urgent help telephone 0116 295 3060
  This is to support patients who are in a mental health crisis. This is a self-referral service telephone line, the caller’s details will be collected and a slot will be booked for a triage via phone contact within two hours.