NHS doctor's mental health advice as pupils return to school

Many primary schools in England will reopen their doors to more pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 from today.

Schools, colleges and nurseries closed more than nine weeks ago due to the Covid-19 outbreak, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.

The decision to go ahead with a phased return to school from June 1 came after education unions and council leaders urged the government to reconsider the proposals amid safety concerns.

Findings from a PA survey of local authorities, carried out on Friday, show that more than 20 councils across England are advising schools not to open to more pupils from Monday.

As previously reported, Dorset Council expects the county's schools to reopen by June 8, one week later than the date proposed by the government. However, each school has different circumstances and preparations, so some may start welcoming more pupils back earlier or later than others.

Gary Spracklen, headteacher at The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester, welcomes back pupils on Monday

The return to school may cause anxiety for some pupils heading back to the classroom after months away, according to Professor Prathiba Chitsabesan, NHS England associate national clinical director for children and young people’s mental health.

Professor Chitsabesan said: “Children and young people may be experiencing a variety of feelings in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including anxiety, distress and low mood, and it is important to understand that these are normal responses to an abnormal situation.

“The NHS offers a large amount of mental health support for children and young people, and if a child needs urgent mental health support or advice, check nhs.uk for services in your area, including 24/7 crisis support.”

NHS England has issued advice on what parents should look out for and steps that they can take to look after their child’s mental health, based on advice from clinicians and first-hand experience from patients and parents.

Signs that parents should look out for include:

• You might find they are more upset or find it hard to manage their emotions

• They may appear anxious or distressed

• Increasing trouble with sleeping and eating

• Appearing low in mood, withdrawn or tearful

• Reporting worried or negative thoughts about themselves or their future

• For younger children, there may be more bed wetting

If a parent is worried about their child’s mental health, they can help by:

• Making time to talk to your child

• Allow your child to talk about their feelings

• Try to understand their problems and provide reassurance that you have heard them and are there to help

• Help your child do positive activities

• Try to keep a routine over the next few weeks

• Look after your own mental health

Parents should contact NHS 111 online or a GP immediately if they notice any physical injuries on a child, such as deep cuts or burns.