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If you’re worried about your child going back to school during the pandemic then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you’ve already had to send them back or you know they have to go back soon, it’s important you’re keeping them as safe as you possibly can. While it may be a little daunting at first, there are lots of tips and tricks you can bear in mind to keep them as safe as possible right now. From keeping up to date with local restrictions and changes to speaking to their school to discuss their policies, the more you’re doing the safer they will feel. With that in mind, here are 10 top tips for sending your children back to school during the pandemic:
Keep Up To Date With Local Restrictions And Changes
One of the best things you can do, of course, is to ensure you’re keeping up to date with the local restrictions and changes that are happening in your area. Although these will be widely publicised, it’s best to ensure you’re setting up alerts as this will be the only way to make sure you don’t miss anything. Often, some schools have found that they have had to close down immediately as a result of an outbreak, so knowing this information as soon as possible will be extremely beneficial when it comes to collecting your children.
Consider Whether Or Not They Have The Option To Work From Home
Although not all schools are offering it, there are a number of places that are allowing you to keep your children off school as long as you feel comfortable. Going back out into the world during the pandemic is incredibly overwhelming and if you or your child is not ready to go back, there are other options available to you. If you’re living with someone who is shielding, this may be necessary. For tips and tricks when it comes to homeschooling, you can visit this site here.
Speak To Their School To Discuss Their New Policies
If you know your child has to go back to school but you’re unsure on whether or not they have extra measures in place to keep them safe, you have the option of giving the school a call to chat through the changes that they’re going to be making. In most cases, they will be sending regular emails out to keep in contact with you so this may not be something you need to chase.
Decide Whether Or Not They’re Going Somewhere That Is Safe
If you’re not happy with the measures they’re putting into place, you may want to consider moving your child to an environment that is safe. Although this may be difficult to due during the pandemic, you need to be sure you’re doing all that you can to keep your child safe. If that means moving them to a completely new environment, then that’s what you need to do. If your child is just starting Kindergarten, you have the opportunity to seek out other options before they begin. For more information when it comes to Kindergarten, you can visit Jennys Kindergarten services here.
If They’re Able To, Give Them The Option To Wear A Mask
Although not every child is able to wear a mask while they’re at school, those that can wear one should definitely consider it to help slow the spread. There are lots of child-friendly masks available to purchase in stores so if they feel much more comfortable wearing one, it’s something you should consider. Of course, this will mainly come down to their age and whether or not they have any pre-existing conditions. For a guide on who should wear a face mask, you can visit this site here.
Explain The Importance Of Social Distancing
While you’re not going to be able to explain the importance of social distancing to young children, those that are a little bit older should definitely be taught to stay away from others as best as they can. Most classes will have their own measures in place to help keep people apart but when it comes to lunch and playtime, it’s going to be a little bit harder for them to stay away from their friends. If your child is young, you may be able to explain to them that they have to stay away, but there’s not a lot you can do in order to enforce it.
Make Sure Thy Always Have Hand Sanitizer
Just as you would now carry around in your bag, your child needs to have hand sanitizer on them at all times. Although they may need reminding to use it every now and again, having it there with them is a good way to remind them that should be sanitizing their hands before and after they touch things.
Pack Their Own Lunches
If you want to keep control of who handles the food that they’re eating, you may want to pack them their own school lunches. By doing this, you can be sure that they’re not touching any food that has been handled by others during their lunch break. While it may be a little more effort for you, it’s a great way to ensure a little bit of added safety throughout their day.
Give Them A Full Stationery Kit
Similarly, you need to ensure they have their own full stationery kit. Now that they’re not allowed to use communal stationery in most schools, it’s important they have everything they need in order to carry out their day.
Know When They Need To Take Time Off
Finally, you need to be sure you’re aware of when they need to take time off. As soon as they start showing any symptoms of COVID-19, they should be taken out of school and given a coronavirus test. While they wait for their results, they cannot come back to school and if they test positive they must stay at home for 14 days.
With lots of useful tips to bear in mind, you can be sure you’re keeping your children safe during this time. What else do you need to do? Did we miss anything important off of the list? Let us know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.
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