Want to know more about supporting your child as they return to school? Ask the GDST’s expert Heads - £100 voucher to be won

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We know lots of you may be apprehensive about your children going back to school. The GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust) would like to know what concerns you have – and any tips you’ve discovered to reassure your children about their return to their classrooms. Three expert GDST Heads will be joining this discussion in a few days to answer your questions and address your apprehensions.

Are you anxious about your child’s safety back at school? Are you curious about how teachers will get children back up to speed? Have you got thoughts or questions about how to help children re-adjust to the formality and structure of school after the many months of home learning? Maybe your child’s teachers have absolutely smashed it so far, and you’d like to give them a shout-out; maybe your child is approaching a big transition in their education and you’d like to know how best to support them for public exams, or transition to a new school or college.

Here’s what the GDST has to say: “The GDST is a family of schools where girls learn without limits. We are the leading group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, with 23 fee-paying schools and two academies.

We know that parents want to support their children. Now, we’re working with Mumsnet to provide reassurance, advice and guidance to parents as we look ahead to the new school term."

Want to know who will be responding to your questions and comments? Find some information on the GDST’s experts below:

Claire Boyd is Head of Wimbledon High Junior School.
Claire has experience of teaching at every level of Junior education, including Reception and Key Stage 1. Before joining Wimbledon High, she was Head of Sydenham High Prep and, prior to that, Head of Lower School at Ravenscourt Park Prep School. Claire is dedicated to educating children to be the very best they can be, but always ensuring first and foremost that they are having fun and are happy.

Nina Gunson is the Head of Sheffield High School for Girls.
Nina studied Molecular Biology and, after a short stint as a recruitment consultant, trained as a teacher. She began her teaching career as a biology teacher, before becoming Head of Careers, then Head of Science, and rising to Assistant Head. She was Deputy Head at Sheffield Girls’ before moving to lead Wakefield Girls’ High School, and then returned to Sheffield Girls’ as its Head in 2018. Nina aims to instil a ‘can-do’ approach into everyone in the school community.

Emma Pattison is Head of Croydon High School
Emma hails originally from Lincolnshire, and is a Modern Languages specialist. A teacher of both French and Spanish, she went on to become Head of Year 8, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, and then a Deputy Head before joining Croydon High as Headmistress in 2016. Emma has led the school through a period of positive change and growth and is now facing the challenges of Covid-19 with the same energy and proactivity. Emma leads by example, with a caring approach and a commitment to help each student achieve their best, creating a nurturing environment in which they can flourish.

Whether you’ve got a burning question or a useful technique to share, let the GDST know by posting on this thread and their experts will join the conversation and try to address some of the queries raised.

All who post a question will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

My ds, who is naturally quite anxious is going to high school. Due to COVID he has had no transition, no visits (bar the open evening before applying) and has no idea of who will be in his form class. He is having difficulty sleeping and despite explanations that everyone else starting will be in a similar position he is very nervous. Have you got any tips or strategies I can use help him?

My daughter is about to start Year 10. She did well during lockdown sticking to her guided home learning, but when she goes back to school I am keen to get her to focus on her GCSE lessons right from the off. I remember when I was her age thinking I could wing it in Year 10 and knuckle down in Year 11. It worked for me, but I’d prefer her to work right from the start. Any advice on what she should be doing to start revising/consolidating as she goes along.

I'm very concerned about the return to school - my daughter isn't. Do I just suck it up or do I make her wear a mask?

I'm concerned about the change and mixed messages between March and now e.g:
In March, stay home, don't mix, anyone could carry it, close schools, only 1 household member to shop etc.

Now: All schools back, mix in class of 30, school of over 200, spend most of day in small room, share bathrooms and canteens etc.

For kids that require really clear consistent messaging its hard to reconcile the two, when the virus hasn't gone away as such.

My child loves music including choir (he is hoping to apply for a scholarship). I would be interested to know how schools are likely to include music in the new environment

Following on from question above, my son has a music scholarship - but nothing has happened since March in that regard - not even online lessons. How might music be successfully carried out in a school setting in these times.

My DD is at a GDST school and I'd just like to thank her teacher for her continued support over the past few months. What will be the rules during PE? I want them to continue swimming for example but it'll be challenging.

My 5 year old has suspected ADHD and he touches literally everything in his sight from toys he doesn't even play with just gets them out in class to other kids he pokes and grabs. I'm worried how the teachers will keep him safe as he's got no sense of why he can't do it, I've tried to explain with pictures, videos etc, he'd have to wash his hands every 3/4 minutes, the teachers have a hectic day with him normally never mind with this extra safe guarding with covid.
How can I help his school ??

How do I help my children feel safe and secure in the new environment? They are Y4 and Y1, and I'm worried it will feel cold and alien to them.

My son is about to go into Year 13, so the pressure is on for UCAS applications. With few open days happening - other than virtually - I’m worried about how he’s supposed to choose where to apply.

How are teachers going to deal with the fact that some children will have been doing lots of home schooling, others a little and some none at all meaning that they'll all be at wildly different stages?
Thank you.

Will schools recap on learning missed from the previous year? How can they best deal with the differing levels now among children in the same class who adapted differently to homeschooling and therefore will have learnt more or less as a result?

I thought my usually anxious DD (9) would find a return to school really hard when they had a few days back in last term - they had to wear masks, and everything was very different as you'd expect. Different room, staggered breaks, sticking in a small bubble even for outdoor play, no group gatherings for lunch etc.

However - she was totally fine with it. I think the difference is that she completely trusts her teachers and her school, so on that basis she's happy to adapt to what they say is right. (A very big thank you to her teachers and head at a GDST school.) She is so excited to go back.

The main issue I can see is focus and concentration - they have been out of school so long, albeit with comprehensive home-learning. Is there anything I can be doing to help gently ease her back towards being able to get back into longer periods of concentrating?

In my daughters peer group going in to year 11, I am aware over lockdown that many family constellations have been experiencing bereavements, family split ups, financial strain etc.

Counselling services are mythical in secondary schools at the moment. What steps can we expect from the government (if any at all, given their obvious lack of integrity and back tracking on just about everything) to address this, and what pressure might heads bring to bear to steer them in the right direction?

thanks

Thank you so much to those who have already raised their questions about returning to school in the next couple of weeks. It has been such an unusual period of time but I hope we can help answer some of your queries, offer advice and alleviate some of your concerns during this discussion thread.

-Nina

The approach of a new school year is always accompanied by some degree of anticipation each August and, given the present unusual circumstances, this is naturally more acute at the moment. With this is mind, It is wonderful to be able to connect with parents and hopefully offer some support and reassurance about the move back into the classroom.

-Claire

It is a privilege to contribute to this thread which comes at a time when we all - pupils, teachers, parents - are slightly nervous about the return to school after a long period of lockdown. However, speaking from our experience, teachers can't wait to be back in the classroom and are fully accepting of all the changes necessary to enable that. It has been a really difficult time for everyone in the school community and we are all excited to get back to something approaching normality in September. There will, of course, be questions and anxieties surrounding that and we are pleased to be able to contribute to this important and useful thread.

-Emma

@Shiraznowplease

My ds, who is naturally quite anxious is going to high school. Due to COVID he has had no transition, no visits (bar the open evening before applying) and has no idea of who will be in his form class. He is having difficulty sleeping and despite explanations that everyone else starting will be in a similar position he is very nervous. Have you got any tips or strategies I can use help him?

Dear @Shiraznowplease. Thanks for your message.

I really feel for your son.

Starting your new school is always an anxious time for any pupil but this year it is obviously going to be even more worrying and schools have not been able to do many of the things they would usually do to try and ease the transition. It's very hard to watch, I'm sure.

Those who have been really strict about self-isolation and maintained lockdown throughout August obviously haven't interacted much with their peers since March and we are noticing increased anxiety amongst them in particular - a daunting feeling going from very little contact to a full week at school again.

A couple of ideas might be to see if there are any other pupils going to the new school who are coming from the school he is leaving or does he know anyone else who is joining. Is there any way of getting in touch with the parents and organising a socially distanced meet up in a garden or park, just so he has faces he recognises once there and perhaps arrange that they will walk in together on the first day. Have you tried the journey to school? I would perhaps drop the Head of Year or tutor (if you know who it is) a line to let them know he is a bit anxious so that (s)he can look out for him; they might even be able to support a meet up by putting you in contact with someone in his form or they could arrange a walk around campus - but this will depend very much upon the school, of course. However, it might be that this reassurance would help and, no doubt, he is not the only one feeling nervous by any means.

As always, talking about worries as much as possible is really important, if you can get him to open up. What thoughts make the anxiety rise? If he speaks openly, perhaps analyse the worry with him, if you can, into what he can do something about and what is out of his control. If he finds it difficult to talk about, perhaps use some coloured cards and link feelings to the different colours and ask him to point out which colour best fits his response to the different aspects of school just to give you and him a bit of insight.

I really hope this helps and that the start of term goes well for him!

-Emma

I have no worries about my daughter returning to school as the situation since March has been handled with such calm and smoothness that you would think they dealt with pandemics all the time. I imagine it is a classic case of swans gliding serenely down river whilst paddling like mad underneath but I have no doubts that the return to school will be handled just as well as the closed period was.

The head of her school is one of the experts on this thread...

@HelloDulling

My daughter is about to start Year 10. She did well during lockdown sticking to her guided home learning, but when she goes back to school I am keen to get her to focus on her GCSE lessons right from the off. I remember when I was her age thinking I could wing it in Year 10 and knuckle down in Year 11. It worked for me, but I’d prefer her to work right from the start. Any advice on what she should be doing to start revising/consolidating as she goes along.

Hi @HelloDulling. It sounds as though your daughter managed to maintain excellent routines during her ‘guided home learning’ and this is a super foundation to build on as she embarks upon her GCSE courses.

She will have lots of time to develop her exam technique and revise fully in the run-up to her exams in Year 11, but it is always a good idea to consolidate work as you go along.

One of the most important things is quickly identifying any topics she may be struggling with and nipping these issues in the bud quickly, rather than waiting until Year 11 – either by spending some additional time on these topics at home (using summary Qs in her textbook / online resources), spending time on difficult topics or concepts with a friend, or seeking some additional explanation from her teacher or attending subject clinics if they are offered.

Year 10 is also a really good time for her to try different revision techniques to see what works well for her – try different strategies at the end of each topic like listening to podcasts or watching revision videos, using flashcards and creating mindmaps, so that she can see what works best.

Good luck with it all and I hope your daughter has a smooth start back in September.

-Nina

@sheilads105

I'm very concerned about the return to school - my daughter isn't. Do I just suck it up or do I make her wear a mask?

Dear @Sheilads105. I am sure lots of parents will be feeling anxious right now but it is really positive that your daughter isn't and so try to shield her from your concerns (easier said than done, I know).

It really is up to you whether you would like her to wear a mask as you have to feel comfortable about her return.

Why don't you give her lots of opportunity to get used to wearing a mask and plan for her to wear it at the start and then you can always relax this, if you feel happy doing so, after she has had her first few days and you know more about the school's routines.

-Nina

@shushymcshush

I'm concerned about the change and mixed messages between March and now e.g: In March, stay home, don't mix, anyone could carry it, close schools, only 1 household member to shop etc.

Now: All schools back, mix in class of 30, school of over 200, spend most of day in small room, share bathrooms and canteens etc.

For kids that require really clear consistent messaging its hard to reconcile the two, when the virus hasn't gone away as such.

Hi @Sushymcshush. I think your feelings are very natural and shared by many parents. The messaging has changed a lot over the past few months and it is inevitable that you have concerns.

The main thing to remember is that every school will be giving the return of pupils very close and careful attention to ensure the reopening is done with integrity. Whilst the risk posed by opening up cannot be entirely mitigated, the gains, rewards and benefits of children being back at school significantly outweigh them remaining at home.

My advice would be to wait to see what measures your child's school is putting in place and look for reassurance on the tangible measures they will be utilising to keep pupils and staff safe. With this information to hand, you can engage in an open discussion with your child about what to expect as well as what they can do to contribute positively to the new way their school will be operating.

-Claire

@LulworthBlues

My child loves music including choir (he is hoping to apply for a scholarship). I would be interested to know how schools are likely to include music in the new environment

Hi @LulworthBlues. Thank you for your question and for the follow-up question from @HaloeVera. I think a lot of schools are concerned about how to keep school music alive as it plays such an important role in the sense of community and school life, as well as all the obvious benefits of music making.

It is true that singing, woodwind and brass instruments present a few more concerns, but many schools are being very creative about how they ensure music operates (we are replacing singing in lessons with learning to play the ukulele, for example!). Each school will have a different take on what they can do and it will depend upon availability of large spaces and things like screens.

The guidance seems to support music making - even singing and brass and woodwind - in smaller groups so scholars may find they are still very able to participate.

My advice would be to see how things go in the first instance once back in school. If, a few weeks in, you still aren't sure, obviously you could have a chat to the Director of Music. You will probably find they've got some really good ideas which they'll get set up once everyone is used to social distancing, bubbles and the new cleaning routines. There are certainly things schools can do to keep music making going and we are looking to our scholars to very much lead by example.

Good luck to your sons!

-Emma

@caravandreamer

My 5 year old has suspected ADHD and he touches literally everything in his sight from toys he doesn't even play with just gets them out in class to other kids he pokes and grabs. I'm worried how the teachers will keep him safe as he's got no sense of why he can't do it, I've tried to explain with pictures, videos etc, he'd have to wash his hands every 3/4 minutes, the teachers have a hectic day with him normally never mind with this extra safe guarding with covid. How can I help his school ??

Hi @Caravandreamer! The first thing to remember is that the measures being introduced for Covid-security will be new for all children in all schools and also take into account the specific needs of individual children.

All pupils will be supported to understand how they can experience school in a different way. Whilst your child may be attracted to touching everything around him, his classroom will be organised to reduce the presence of extraneous objects, materials and equipment; this will significantly reduce visual stimulation and the desire for tactile interactions.

In addition, the Department of Education guidance clearly recognises that it is impossible to maintain social distancing amongst children of your son's age. Deployment of class or year group 'bubbles' means are recommended; these will reduce the risk of transmission by minimising the number of contacts an individual has during the course of the school day rather than striving to implement strict social distancing or rule out any instance of sharing materials and resources in a classroom space. This, coupled with increased cleaning and hand washing protocols, will allow children to children and those with SEND to still safe engage with school life.

-Claire

@Aquicknamechange2019

How do I help my children feel safe and secure in the new environment? They are Y4 and Y1, and I'm worried it will feel cold and alien to them.

Hi @Aquicknamechange2019. I wonder if your younger child had the opportunity to return to school last term as part of the partial reopening of schools? If so, they will already have a reference point for some of the new measures. If not, I would seek to reassure your children that, whilst the school may look and operate a bit differently, the heart of the school will be the same. The same expectations for kindness, making good choices and supporting one another will still apply and the school will have come up with lots of ideas for how to still celebrate what makes the school community special. Although you might not be able to tell your children what these will look like yet, you can reassure them that their teachers will be planning hard to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome back at school.

As soon as you have more information from the school about what to expect, share it with your children; if they hear you speaking about the plans in a positive way it will help them feel optimistic about the transition.

Given the age of your children, they are also likely to be spending a lot of time in one classroom. Whilst it might be set up differently to normal, the focused time in one space will help them settle quickly into a familiar room and adapt to the new layout.

As ever, it will be the energy and warmth that comes from the staff and other children that creates the atmosphere in a school; your children's teachers and peers will be very happy to reunited (despite the restrictions).

-Claire