Parents Support and Guidance
Stivichall aims to keep up-to-date information here for families to seek support and guidance if needed through these challenging times.
Link to: Parent and Carer Information Booklet - updated 23rd August 2020 in preparation for full re-opening in September 2020.
Government Guidance - please click on the picture below for a link to Government guidance for parents and carers:
Local Family Hubs
Should any families require advice or support now that schools are closed, please contact your local family hub. Please click on this picture for a link to relevant hubs and their contact details:
The hubs are currently planning to remain available to families across the city to offer support and to also signpost to further support that is available; this will include signposting to the Coventry food banks should families find themselves in temporary financial difficulty.
In case of urgent safeguarding support being required, for concerns about a child/family please call the MASH team on 024 76 7888555 or call 999 if you require the assistance of the emergency services.
The Cheylesmore Hub have an application form for families who may need immediate help with food. the document and information can be found by clicking on the image below:
Speaking to children about the pandemic
Taking to children about the current pandemic in a way that supports their understanding, answers some of the questions that they naturally have and simultaneously alleviates/reduces some of their anxiety about it can be a challenge. The 'social story' that can be read in 5 minutes by following this link may be of help - please do look at this first and decide if you feel it is right for your child.
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Contacting your school nurse or Health Visitor
During these unsettling times, as a parent of child aged between 0-19 year olds, you may be worried about your child’s health and wellbeing and be unsure about how to get the help you need.
The school nurses and Health Visitors are still here to help - you can text them for confidential advice and support on a wide range of issues.
Parent/carers of child(ren) aged 0-19 can send a text to: 07507329114
School Nursing and Health Visitors can help with all kinds of things like:
- Behaviour
- Continence
- Emotional health
- Self-harm
- Bullying
- Minor illnesses
Your Chat Health messaging service is run by Coventry Family Health and Lifestyles Service and is available 08:30 am-5pm. The service aims to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate bounce-back to confirm they received your text. Texts will not be seen outside of normal working hours. If you need help before you hear back from them, contact you GP, NHS 111 or dial 999 if it is an emergency.
Mental Health Support for Children and Families
The Government has produced a guidance document with suggestions for managing mental health and wellbeing during this time. Information can be found here:
Other useful sites that could be used to support mental health and wellbeing include:
- Mrs Deller’s Daily dose of well being posted daily via Twitter and SeeSaw
- PSHE Association guides to support home learning
- 'The Philosophy Man' on YouTube
https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/content/home-learning-resources
Other COVID-19 mental health links:
Birmingham Mind Helpline for anyone to call who feels in crisis during this difficult time
Open 7 days a week 9.00am-11.00pm on 0121 262 3555
NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/
MIND guidance:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
NSPCC support on Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice and support for parents and carers
The NSPCC has created a number of resources to support parents and carers during this difficult time. Topics include:
- Talking to a child worried about coronavirus
- Parents working from home
- Children staying home alone
- Lockdown and separated parents
- How to cope with tantrums and other difficult behaviour
The advice can be found on the NSPCC website here: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/coronavirus-advice-suppport-children-families-parents/