Here you can find information and advice on how to talk to your children about coronavirus and managing anxiety, identifying illnesses, tips on home schooling and ideas for things to do at home.
We’ll be updating this page regularly with the latest advice, guidance and tips to help parents and carers with children at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus and illness parent information for newborn babies and children
Although the risks are very low, you may be concerned that your baby could get coronavirus. Do not delay seeking help if you have any concerns. The parent information for newborn babies leaflet tells you what to look out for.
After babies are born they have to breathe, suck, feed, wee, poo and stay warm. Do not delay seeking help if you have any concerns. The illness in newborn babies leaflet will tell you how to keep your baby safe and healthy.
Whilst coronavirus is infectious to children it is rarely serious. If your child is unwell it is likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself. The advice for parents during coronavirus leaflet helps you identify an illness or injury and what to do next in that situation.
Talking to children about coronavirus
Children will have lots of questions about the current situation and explaining coronavirus to your child is a balance of facts and reassurances.
There are lots of really good resources from organisations such as the British Psychological Society and Young Minds, see below, or for young children you can download and talk through the PDF at the bottom of this page.
Children’s safety around the home
There’s lots of family-friendly content on preventing burns during the coronavirus pandemic including articles, a fact sheet, first aid advice, an activity sheet. These are all free for you to use and share with friends and family. Download it from the Child Accident Prevention Trust website.
There’s also a parents pack crammed with useful advice that you can also download.
Home schooling
Educating your children at home can be overwhelming, remember nobody expects you to replace the teacher. Some structure will get you through. Here’s some ideas to get you started.
Things to do when you start home schooling:
There are lots of great online resources to help you with home schooling. Start by looking on the Chatter Pack website – they have pulled together a very comprehensive list of resources, with something for children of all ages.
Manchester Local Care Organisation and Healthy Schools Manchester have put together a Parent/Carer Home-School Survival Toolkit which they have kindly let us share with Salford parents and carers.
It includes a list of educational resources that are available to you, tips on helping children stay active and burn off energy and good advice on building a routine around working from home and looking after children. You can download the toolkit below.
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.
There are also some other useful resources:
GOV.UK also have a list of online education resources for home education.
How to cope with anxiety
It’s natural to feel worried and anxious at the current time.
Here are some useful links to managing anxiety about the virus:
Activities and ideas
Salford Community Leisure have produced a list of activities and ideas for parents.
Springwood Primary School are opening their community playground for children who have a disability. Only one family can use it at a time and a booking must be made by emailing altpro@salford.gov.uk or telephoning Gemma on 0161 686 5240.
The playground can be booked for a 40 minute slot on a week night between 4pm and 6pm and Saturdays and half term between 9am and 4pm.
The playground will be cleaned between each family and will be locked at all other times. You will need a pass to access the playground, which you can discuss when you make your booking.