From the Deputy 

Dear Families, 

It is so lovely seeing and hearing the children back onsite across the last two weeks and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back next Wednesday. 

Each person will experience the return in a different way and with a range of emotions and feelings - that is ok and it is normal. It is how we react when we are out of our comfort zone or when things are tricky to manage. We encourage families to take things slowly, build in down time at the end of school days and the week as you may find they are exhausted after the onsite learning day and the many interactions and expectations that a day onsite holds. 

We know that at the core of wellbeing for all of us (no matter what age) is routine, quality sleep, being active and eating well. We hope that you have been able to continue activities at a family level that were enjoyable during lockdown - finding moments of laughter and joy in each day will also help each person. 

Social and emotional learning - as we settle back onsite we will continue to focus on a range of social skills as well as supporting emotional regulation and staying in the moment to get the best out of our days. Already, we have had many conversations with children, staff and parents around social interactions. Children have been at home with family only since late July, they have not had to manage the many social interactions that school provides whether that is working, talking  or playing with others. This is a significant change now they are back onsite and some may find this difficult. 

Take the time to talk things through with them…. 

• What was something that made them laugh during the school day?
• What are they proud of with their interactions with others at school in work and play?
• What is one thing they might like to do better in terms of social skills - sharing on equipment, being kind in word and action as we settle back, letting a trusted adult know if things are not going so well and talking it through.

We encourage the children to let us know if things aren't going smoothly for them as we are here to support the transition to social interactions alongside onsite learning as we all settle back into routines of a school day. 

Enjoy the coming weekend, Mary