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A copy of the school SEND Policy 2022 - 2023
send-policy-feb-2022-for-website.pdf (primarysite-prod-sorted.s3.amazonaws.com)

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Newsletters | St Peter's Catholic Primary School (stpeterscatholicprimaryschool.co.uk)

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Newsletters | St Peter’s Catholic Primary School

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Mental Health Resources For Children and Young People

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Free mental health resources, posters, lesson plans and activity sheets for primary and secondary school staff, and mental health professionals working with children and young people.

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We use cookies on the Scope website to show us how many people our content is reaching.

It means we can:

See what content is most useful to people

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It also means we can work more closely with partners in government, local councils and other public bodies, targeting support where it's needed most and offering a better range of services.

It's your choice whether to allow them or not, but you're helping us do more if you opt in. Thank you.

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We're Scope, the disability equality charity in England and Wales

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Winston's Wish is the UK's childhood bereavement charity. We support children and their families after the death of someone important.

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Books for children

When someone has a very serious illness: children can learn to cope with loss and change (1991) by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press)

A book that was created to help children understand the changes when someone in their family has a serious illness. Each section of text has a blank space underneath for children to illustrate and show their own feelings about what's happened.

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine: Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died (Early Years) (2001) by Diana Crossley and Kate Sheppard (Hawthorn Press)

Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear.

When someone very special dies: children can learn to cope with grief (1988) by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press)

This book helps children come to terms with their grief by drawing what they're feeling.

What Does Dead Mean?: A Book for Young Children to Help Explain Death and Dying (2012)by Caroline Jay and Jenni Thomas (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

This book guides children through questions they often ask about death and dying. It's suitable for children aged four and above and is an ideal book for parents and carers to read with their children. It's also suitable for teachers, therapists and counsellors working with young children.

Gentle Willow: A Story for Children about Dying (2003) by Joyce C. Mills (Magination Press)

Written for children who may not survive their illness or for the children who know them, this tale helps address feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness, along with love and compassion. Amanda and Little Tree discover that their friend Gentle Willow isn't feeling very well.

Michael Rosen's Sad Book (2011) by Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake (Walker Books)

This chronicles Michael's grief at the death of his son Eddie from meningitis at the age of 19. A moving combination of sincerity and simplicity, it acknowledges that sadness is not always avoidable or reasonable and explains complicated feelings in simple terms.

Overcoming Loss by Julia Sorensen (2008) (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

This book is full of creative and play-based activities to help children understand and come to terms with different emotions including shame, anger and jealousy.

Badger's parting gifts (1984) by Susan Varley (Anderson Press)

Many families have found this book useful when helping children to come to terms with the death of someone close. It tells the story of Badger's peaceful death and his friends remembering what Badger taught them while he was alive.

The coat I wear (2014) by Mel Maxwell and Michelle Stewart (I Am Somewhat Ltd)

A story which follows the grief of a child after their sibling dies. They describe their grief like wearing a heavy, uncomfortable coat, which over time becomes easier to wear.

The invisible string (2000) by Patrice Karst and Geoff Stevenson (DeVorss and Co)

The Invisible String looks at how to cope with loneliness and separation from someone you love. Suitable for ages three and above.

The memory tree (2013) by Britta Teckentrup (Hachette Children's Group)

A book which teaches children to celebrate the memories of someone who's died. When Fox lies down in the woods and falls asleep forever, his friends gather round to tell stories about his life.

Water bugs and dragonflies: explaining death to young children (1982) by Doris Stickney (The Pilgrim Press)

A storybook which helps to answer some of the questions children might have about death, by telling the story of a water bug who turns into a dragonfly.

When dinosaurs die: a guide to understanding death (1996) by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown (Little, Brown books for young readers)

A book which helps answer the questions children might have about death using simple language.

Where are you Lydie? by Emma Poore, 2019 (Emma Poore)

A picture book for children aged three to seven. It is a guide for young children and their parents to explore death and bereavement together. It can help to start difficult conversations or explore the questions that may come up after someone dies.

Books for adults (about children)

As big as it gets: supporting a child when a parent is seriously ill (1997) by Julie A. Stokes (Winston's Wish)

Provides a range of ideas for parents and carers so that they feel able to involve their children in what is happening. The book also includes some suggestions about what parents might say to children and how to offer support.

A child's grief: supporting a child when someone in their family has died (2009) by Di Stubbs (Winston's Wish)

This book covers a variety of issues that may affect a child when a person close to them dies, both immediately and in the longer term. It also has practical suggestions and ideas for activities to do together.

Healing children's grief: surviving a parent's death from cancer by Grace H Christ (2000) (Oxford University Inc)

This book will help adults better understand how children process grief. The author uses academic research methods to study the mourning process in different age groups, including their changing interactions with family and friends and their support needs.

Grief in children: a handbook for adults by Atle Dyregrov (1991) (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

Similar to the previous book, this helps adults understand the different physical and psychological reactions in children when someone dies.

Never too young to know: death in children's lives by Phyllis Silverman (1999) (Oxford University, Press Inc)

Silverman's book includes children's stories of how they've coped with death, but is intended for an adult audience.

We also have suggestions on books for adults about grief.

External websites

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When someone has a very serious illness: children can learn to cope with loss and change (1991) by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press) A book that was created to help children understand the changes when someone in their family has a serious illness.

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Supporting individuals and families affected by dyspraxia/DCD

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Sleep Foundation - Sleep Strategies for Children 

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Sleep Foundation - Sleep Strategies for Children 

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Fortunately, specific behavioral changes and adjustments to the sleep environment will help most children with insomnia. We've compiled the top tips that are proven to help kids sleep. The recommendations outlined here are best suited for toddlers through early adolescence. Both babies and teens will have specific considerations of their own.

These lists may seem long, but you don't need to implement them all at once. It's better to focus on trying a few small changes, giving them time to work, and then adjusting your approach based on how your child responds.

Keep in mind that every child's sleep needs will vary based on their age, genetics, and cultural differences. Therefore, not all approaches will work equally well for all children, and there can be an element of trial and error. However, your patience will be rewarded in time as your little one learns to fall asleep quickly on their own and keep sleeping soundly through the night.

Sleep hygiene - a collection of habits and behaviors that promote good sleep - is vital for children. Many sleep struggles are caused or made worse by poor sleep hygiene. When practicing sleep hygiene, remember that consistency is key. Sleep strategies take time and repetition to be effective.

Create a Routine: Humans are creatures of habit. A lets your child's body and mind know that it's time to settle down and prepare for sleep. The actual routine can be specific to your child, but it should last around 20 minutes and consist of three to four quiet, soothing activities such as putting on PJs, brushing teeth, a warm bath, and reading. Bedtime routines provide children with a sense of familiarity and comfort, which acts in direct opposition to the uncertainty of insomnia.

Set a Bedtime: A sleep schedule works with your child's natural biological clock to promote dozing off with regularity. Bedtimes are most useful when they're consistent, so try to keep the same bedtime on weekends as on school nights. Altering bedtimes during the weekend will make it more difficult for kids to maintain their normal weekday schedules.

Implement a Screen Curfew: The ubiquity of screens makes this rule hard to implement, but it's well worth it. Mobile devices, TVs, and tablets emit a type of blue light that suppresses melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Children may be to the effects of light from screens. Screen time also stimulates the brain, making it harder to wind down for sleep. Electronic devices should be kept out of the bedroom and ideally not used within one hour of bedtime. Consider using the created by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Get Exercise: Physical activity is proven to help people of all ages . Most children need at least of exercise per day. Just make sure to avoid vigorous activity within two hours of bedtime. Otherwise, your child may feel wound-up and find it harder to fall asleep.

Avoid Scary or Violent Content: Feeling scared or worried is a common reason kids can't sleep. So it's no wonder that scary or violent movies, TV, video games, and even books in the evening are in children. If your kiddo likes the gory or spooky stuff, save it for the daytime.

Nix Caffeine: This is a no brainer. Caffeine is a stimulant that can both make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of sleep. In addition to the usual suspects like soda, coffee, and energy drinks, watch out for more discreet sources like tea, decaf coffee (which still has trace amounts of caffeine) and chocolate. Even small amounts of caffeine can have a in a little body. Don't let your child consume caffeine , or preferably, avoid it all together.

Don't Sleep With a Pet: While it's tempting for tots to snuggle Fido in bed, a pet's movements and noises during the night can awaken them from a peaceful slumber. Try having your furry family member sleep outside of your child's bedroom for a few nights to see if that helps. To make the transition easier, include saying goodnight to pets in the bedtime routine.

Optimizing your child's bedroom is an integral part of inducing quick and seamless shuteye. People with insomnia are more likely to be distracted by an uncomfortable bedroom National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , which makes sleep even harder. These tips can help you create the perfect sleep setup for your little one:

Room Temperature: The body and brain both in preparation for sleep, and this can be disrupted by a stuffy bedroom. To avoid this, try to keep the thermostat around 65 degrees.

Noise: Research suggests that even mild sound disturbances can , even if the sleeper never awakens. Consider noise-blocking curtains to cut down on street noise. You can also use a fan or white noise machine to drown out unpredictable or distracting sounds.

Light Level: Start dimming indoor lights as bedtime approaches, and keep your child's bedroom as dark as possible. This and . If your child is afraid of the dark, a small nightlight is okay.

Soothing smells: Calming scents like can have mild sedative effects. You might try using essential oils, a room diffuser, or dried potpourri sachet to provide a soothing, sleep-inducing smell.

Unfortunately, childhood anxiety is steadily rising Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation's health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. known to disrupt sleep Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) ADAA's mission focuses on improving quality of life for those with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research. View Source . Stress is View Source in all ages, so anything that can reduce worrying before bed is helpful. Help your child learn to manage their concerns with these tactics:

Write In a Journal: Encourage your child to get their anxious thoughts out of their head and onto paper. It can also help for them to write about the good things that happened in the day. Focusing on the positive will help children feel more secure.

Mindfulness Exercises: Mindfulness exercises like meditation are proven to . There are many kid-friendly meditations that parents and children can do together. These often consist of simple breathing techniques, body awareness, or guided imagery. Look to books, tapes, and even smartphone apps for ideas.

Create a Worry Time: It's okay to discuss worries, just not at bedtime. Set aside a specific time during the day for your children to discuss their concerns and how to cope with them. This can free children of the need to dwell on worries before bed.

It's normal for even the best little sleepers to awaken from slumber and ask for a parent. When your child cries out for you, it's okay to tend to them. However, you should do so with intention. This is not the time to give in to demands, as doing so can increase stimulation and make it harder to fall asleep. Fulfilling your child's every request can also reinforce an unhelpful pattern of relying on parental assistance for sleep.

Instead, keep the checks short and simple. The point is to provide your child with reassurance that they're safe and cared for, while still fostering their ability to self-soothe and sleep on their own. Some parents may even wait a few seconds before answering a call so that their child has the opportunity to fall back asleep on their own.

If you have any doubt over whether your child's nighttime checks are appropriate, consult your child's doctor for guidance.

If your child continues to have trouble sleeping despite your best efforts, it may be time to check in with their pediatrician. Although uncommon, there can be more serious causes of childhood insomnia, such as childhood sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

Any of these reasons are cause to involve a doctor:

Significant daytime sleepiness

Frequent or severe snoring or other abnormal breathing during sleep

Suspected psychological or developmental condition

Considering medications or supplements to aid in sleep

For a couple of weeks before the doctor appointment, it can help to keep a sleep diary. This is a nightly recording of your child's bed time, nap times, sleep length, and activities. A sleep diary helps to identify patterns and possible problems to address.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

References

1. Esparham, A. (2020, January 2). Melatonin and Children's Sleep. HealthyChildren.Org.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/Melatonin-and-Childrens-Sleep.aspx

2. Mindell, J. A., Li, A. M., Sadeh, A., Kwon, R., & Goh, D. Y. (2015). Bedtime routines for young children: a dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes. Sleep, 38(5), 717-722.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25325483/

3. LeBourgeois, M. K., Hale, L., Chang, A. M., Akacem, L. D., Montgomery-Downs, H. E., & Buxton, O. M. (2017). Digital media and sleep in childhood and adolescence. Pediatrics, 140(Suppl 2), S92-S96.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29093040/

4. Family Media Use Plan. (n.d.)., Retrieved September 23, 2020, from
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx

5. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2017, August 30). Benefits of Exercise., Retrieved August 30, 2020, from
https://medlineplus.gov/benefitsofexercise.html

6. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2017, August 30). How Much Exercise Do I Need?., Retrieved August 30, 2020, from
https://medlineplus.gov/howmuchexercisedoineed.html

7. Garrison, M. M., Liekweg, K., & Christakis, D. A. (2011). Media use and child sleep: the impact of content, timing, and environment. Pediatrics, 128(1), 29-35.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21708803/

8. Temple J. L. (2019). Review: Trends, Safety, and Recommendations for Caffeine Use in Children and Adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 58(1), 36-45.
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0890856718318847

9. Drake, C., Roehrs, T., Shambroom, J., & Roth, T. (2013). Caffeine effects on sleep taken 0, 3, or 6 hours before going to bed. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 9(11), 1195-1200.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24235903/

10. Narisawa H. (2013). Anxiety and its related factors at bedtime are associated with difficulty in falling asleep. The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine, 231(1), 37-43.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/tjem/231/1/231_37/_article

11. Harding, E. C., Franks, N. P., & Wisden, W. (2019). The temperature dependence of sleep. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 13, 336.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31105512/

12. Van Der Werf, Y. D., Altena, E., Schoonheim, M. M., Sanz-Arigita, E. J., Vis, J. C., De Rijke, W., & Van Someren, E. J. (2009). Sleep benefits subsequent hippocampal functioning. Nature neuroscience, 12(2), 122-123.
http://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2253

13. Burgess, H. J., & Molina, T. A. (2014). Home lighting before usual bedtime impacts circadian timing: a field study. Photochemistry and photobiology, 90(3), 723-726.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24918238/

14. Gooley, J. J., Chamberlain, K., Smith, K. A., Khalsa, S. B., Rajaratnam, S. M., Van Reen, E., Zeitzer, J. M., Czeisler, C. A., & Lockley, S. W. (2011). Exposure to room light before bedtime suppresses melatonin onset and shortens melatonin duration in humans. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 96(3), E463-E472.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21193540/

15. Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 681304.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/681304/

16. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. (2020, June 15). Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html

17. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Sleep Disorders., Retrieved August 31, 2020, from
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/sleep-disorders

18. Ong, J. C., Manber, R., Segal, Z., Xia, Y., Shapiro, S., & Wyatt, J. K. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation for chronic insomnia. Sleep, 37(9), 1553-1563.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25142566/

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Sleep Strategies for Children | Sleep Foundation

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Wondering about sleep aids for kids? These proven sleep tips will help children learn to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep.

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If your child is, or may be, dyslexic then we have information, resources and training available to help you to ensure that your child is able to reach their full potential.

You can also find information in our Supporting a Child or Young Person: A Guide for Parents booklet on how to support your child at home, working with your school to secure a diagnosis and support, and what support the law entitles a young person with dyslexia to and how to access it.

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Information, resources and training to help parents ensure their child can reach full potential.

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Occupations Therapy Support - Fine and Gross Motor Activities

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Occupations Therapy Support - Fine and Gross Motor Activities

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New guide for parents who are coping with their child's self-harm: 'You are not alone'

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Young people's self-harm can leave families confused, anxious and feeling like there's nowhere to turn. Now, based on in-depth research with parents, a team from Oxford University's Centre for Suicide Research are launching a guide to help parents and carers who are trying to cope with this difficult situation.

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Introduction
Wowelcome tosSt. Peter's very own SEND Padlet page which contains all of SEND information, alongside signposting and support.

Our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) is Mrs Sheppard who works Monday to Wednesday.

If you have any questions, queries or would like to seek any support then please do not hesitate to contact her via the school email address or phone number.

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The Essex Local Authority - Local Offer 

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The Essex Local Authority - Local Offer 

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http://www.essexlocaloffer.org.uk/listing/send-information-advice-and-support-service/http://www.essexlocaloffer.org.uk/listing/send-information-advice-and-support-service/

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SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) - Essex Local Offer

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SEND IASS is currently working with Bigfork on the development of a new website for the service. We are hoping to go live in the Autumn term 2021! Read update on what to expect from Essex SENDIASS during the coronavirus.

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Please see a copy of the 2022 - 2023 SEND report attached. A hard copy can be obtained from our school office

send-information-report.pdf (primarysite-prod-sorted.s3.amazonaws.com)

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Twitter
Keep up to date with advice, supportive events and guidance by following the SENCo's hastag #SPCPSspotlightonsend

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Mental health support for parents and carers – Place2Be

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Advice and resources for parents and carers to help support their child or young person’s wellbeing.