Introduction and useful links for parents, including supporting your child's mental health and wellbeing
Dear Parents and Carers
This page of the website will provide you with the details you need to understand what we consider to be the most important information to share with you. We hope this is helpful in giving you the essential information.
The government has also published advice for parents and carers on supporting their child's emotional and mental wellbeing during the pandemic:
I am sure you know but it is worth re-stating that it is vitally important that your child does not attend the Academy if they have any of the COVID-19 symptoms, any member of your household has the symptoms, or if your child has been in immediate contact with any person who has symptoms, or if your child has returned from a country on the Government Travel restrictions website.
If your child has been exposed to anyone with confirmed symptoms or you have returned from a country on the list of travel restrictions then you must remain at home and call the Academy for further guidance.
Our introduction information on this tab includes information on Step 4 and links to some useful information on symptoms and the rules about self isolation.
To go back to the introduction click here.
Support for parents of vulnerable students, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities
Mrs Francesca Arhin is leading the SEND team during this time and so please email her at f.arhin@harrisclapham.org.uk if you have any questions and/or queries.
Please note that there is some useful help and advice available for parents to help support children with special educational needs during the crisis. This includes:
https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/calming-coronavirus-anxiety-children-everyone-else/#Update
https://petervermeulen.be/2020/03/16/autism-and-the-corona-virus-20-tips/ for top tips for supporting children with autism affected by Coronavirus.
The Lambeth local offer, updated for Covid-19 can be accessed on:
https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/send-local-offer
The Harris Clapham Academy Support email
We have created a bespoke email for parents and students to use during the crisis. It is: claphamsupport@harrisclapham.org.uk
We will prioritise dealing with any concerns in relation to our vulnerable group of students, but we have a team of staff who will monitor and check any information coming into the email.
Other sources of support and guidance
We are conscious that online learning and students using more internet resources may bring some additional worries. Our staff have received updated training and protocols on safeguarding at this time. We are confident that our use of technology is safe.
However, you may find the following particularly useful:
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
The college have identified a range of useful websites and information to help parents and children at this time. The website can be found here: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/covid-19-resources-parents-carers
The webpage can also be downloaded as a pdf here.
Stay at home activities for children and young people: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/stay-home-activities-children-young-people
Young Minds – advice for young people on coronavirus
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
Mind – advice for adults on protecting their mental health and well-being
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
And a reminder of help for staying safe online – you may wish to discuss this with your child too:
Childline
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/findoutmore/help-me-out-staying-safe-online
NSPCC
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
If you have any questions or need support – please do use our support email stated above. We are here to help!
Gizlé Landman
Principal
