Many pupils in the UK return to school this week after the Easter holidays. But for most, rather than the usual restful few weeks off school mid-year, this Easter has been another 2 weeks at home after months of time out of the classroom due to Covid -19 disruptions to education.
The impact of such an extended break from school varies from chid to child, but for many there are inevitable gaps in learning and reduced confidence in the classroom environment.
An interim report looking at the extent to which year 2 pupils attainment in reading and maths were impacted after the school closures during the first national lockdown found that “Year 2 pupils were 2 months behind in English and maths in Autumn 2020 compared to pupils in previous years” – NFER Interim report
So how, as parents can we help our children get the most out of this summer term both in terms of enjoyment and education? Here are some tips from our tutors, teachers and parents on how you can support your child as they return to school this term.
Take Time to Talk
It’s easy to assume that your son or daughter may be feeling a certain way about being back at school but it’s important to talk to them about how they are feeling. Find out what they are excited about as well as anything they are worried about. Getting your child’s perspective on the situation and reassuring them that it’s normal to have mixed feelings is really important.Form a Routine
For all parents, the Covid-19 lockdowns have obliterated any previous routines, and many family dynamics, have shifted monumentally. Your children may have been waking later and going to bed later, and the onsie may have become a staple outfit for much of the day. The routines of starting back at school may therefore come as a bit of a shock. If it’s possible to gradually start to reintroduce morning and bedtime routines this can help to ease your child back into the school routine.Qualify Any Concerns
If you are concerned that your child has gaps in their learning, there are lots of ways to establish this. If they are back at school, speak to their teacher(s) and ask them if they have identified any areas that need work. Teachers are assessing the level of pupils as they return and should be able to let you know if there is an area in which they feel your child needs help. Ask your child if they are finding anything particularly challenging or if they feel that they would like extra support with any subjects or topics. We offer a FREE assessment for all children aged 6-16 in Maths and English to help parents identify if there are learning gaps. The assessment is carried out online by one of our qualified tutors and is mapped to the national curriculum to pinpoint any specific areas of concern. There is no obligation for you to start a tutoring programme with TutorLink after the assessment and you are welcome to take the results to your school as a way to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher. Call us on 0117 325 5606 or email hello@thetutorlink.co.uk if you would like to find out more or book an assessment.Try to Relax
Getting back to normal in all facets of life is going to take time, and it will take time for schools and school children to settle back fully. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or your children to throw yourselves straight back into a pre-covid school life. The transition to settle back in will take longer for some than others and there is no right amount of time or technique that can be applied to this unique experience we have all had.Ask For Help
Going back to school after being in lockdown is no easy task. You may find that your child struggles to get back into school or experiences difficulties while they’re at school. If this is the case, reach out to your child’s school as soon as you can so that you can make them aware of the challenges and work together to support your child. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health and you think they need professional support, speak to the school and your GP about the best next step.
Help Your Child Reach Their Learning Goals With TutorLink Today
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At Tutorlink we believe that all children can reach their learning goals. Our proven progressive and measurable tutoring programmes will build your child’s confidence and overcome any learning gaps they may currently have. Our professional and friendly tutors can help with English and Maths and all tutoring programmes are mapped to the relevant school curriculum. Why not start your child’s future today and book a free assessment to get them matched with the perfect tutor.