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A video from Dr Radha about support your own mental health

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Dr Radha Modgil from BBC Radio 1's Life Hacks shares her top five tips on how to stay mentally and emotionally well during the coronavirus lockdown, all beginning with the letter C.

Sticking to a routine, making sure we take care of ourselves, and using our creativity in new ways are all ways she suggests we can ease the psychological toll that staying inside is having on all of us.
Video produced by Matt Wareham.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

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Dr Radha Modgil from BBC Radio 1's Life Hacks shares her top five tips on how to stay mentally and emotionally well during the coronavirus lockdown, all beginning with the letter C.

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Number blocks have new resources to accompany their episodes on TV

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Resources to accompany the CBeebies Numberblocks series, designed for parents to use at home with children

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Free online resources to support you and your staff for mental health and well being

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Prioritising happiness and kindness influences how we approach everything - including our personal lives, families, communities, schools and workplaces. It also shapes our views on public policy and helps us to consider the wellbeing of future generations too.
We have no religious, political or commercial affiliations and welcome people of all faiths (or none) and all parts of society. Our members make a simple pledge: to create more happiness and less unhappiness in the world.

Our patron is The Dalai Lama.

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Action for Happiness is a charity that promotes a happier and more caring society. We promote how to be happy, kindness, connection & wellbeing

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Advice for parents/carers in supporting well being for children

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Whether toddlers or teenagers, children can need emotional support - and for many reasons, too. If you’re a parent or carer, we have resources which might help.

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Promoting mental health, emotional and well being of all children, young people and families and carers

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Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service if you're feeling overwhelmed or are struggling to cope.
To start a conversation with someone from Alder Hey, text the word GREEN to 85258 if you're under 18, text HEAL if you're over 18.

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The Liverpool CAHMS Partnership offers emotional and mental health support for children and young people in Liverpool.

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Tips and support from Liverpool Learning Partnership

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Tips and support from Liverpool Learning Partnership

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Head teachers across all phases of education are rightly concerned about the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the children in their care. Here in Liverpool, we are wholeheartedly committed to partnership working. We are working with the Families Programme and the NHS Core Commissioning Group alongside other organisations to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people.

Please see the Whole School Approaches to Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in Liverpool city-wide review document.

Following this review, a school policy for mental health and emotional wellbeing has been drawn up. This can be accessed on the Liverpool CAMHS website.

Every day in a hundred small ways our children ask, 'Do you see me? Do you hear me? Do I matter?' Their behaviour often reflects our response. L. R. Knost

This is a short film produced by MYA & Liverpool Learning Partnership based on an original performance by Kayleigh Meluish, a teacher from Arch Bishop Blanch School, along with her year 10 performing arts class. It highlights the struggle that many young people face with their emotional wellbeing when they fall 'under the radar'. The film was produced to encourage school staff to look out for these 'invisible' struggles and to realise the power of being noticed.

Education Mental Health Teams

Education Mental Health Teams (EMHTs) support schools and other education providers as part of the Liverpool CAMHS partnership pathway. EMHTs consist of a range of providers/services that deliver across the pathway, some working within targeted levels and others across levels of need. To facilitate a coordinated approach these services are working into 3 Education Mental Health Teams across the city. All schools/education establishments are aligned to one of the 3 EMHTs - North, Central and South.

Termly Whole School Approach network meetings for school mental health leads

Each term LLP host network meetings for school staff taking a lead on mental health in their schools. We have meetings for operational leads (learning mentors, pastoral staff, SENCOs) and one for senior strategic WSA leads (SLT). To sign up for our next events please use the links below:
Strategic primary leads network, 25th February 2021, 13:30-14:30 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135872274631 Central primary schools' network, 2nd March 2021, 15:30-17:00 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135867849395 North primary schools' network, 2nd March 2021, 09:00-10:30 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135869454195 South primary schools' network, 2nd March 2021, 09:00-10:30 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135870659801 Secondary network, 2nd March 2021, 15:30-17:00 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135871117169 Secondary strategic leads network, 16th March 2021, 15:30-17:00 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135872681849 Special and AEP network, 2nd March 2021, 09:00-10:30 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135871759089

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Head teachers across all phases of education are rightly concerned about the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the children in their care. Here in Liverpool, we are wholeheartedly committed to partnership working. We are working with the Families Programme and the NHS Core Commissioning Group alongside other organisations to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people.

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Blended Learning Support Pack for EYFS Settings (3)

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Guidance changes frequently, remember to keep checking it

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Guidance changes frequently, remember to keep checking it

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We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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Find information on COVID-19, including guidance and support.

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Guidance for staff from Annafreud.org to support children coming back into the setting after long periods of abscence

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Guidance for staff from Annafreud.org to support children coming back into the setting after long periods of abscence

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How staff can support the return for children to their setting

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Top tips for parents from Annafreud.org for supporting children going back to nursery

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Top tips for parents from Annafreud.org for supporting children going back to nursery

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How parents can support children returning to nursery

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Well-being for parents... where to find support in Liverpool

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Well-being for parents... where to find support in Liverpool

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Please see Downloads for information on temporary services during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

"Developing A Happy Child Into A Fulfilled Adult"

Parents - and by parents we are referring not just to mums and dads but anyone who is involved in raising children of any age - are the single biggest influence on a child's life: caregiver, role model, teacher and guide all rolled into one.

We know that whilst raising children can be a hugely rewarding role, it can at times be extremely challenging. We recognise this and want to work with parents to support them to grow and develop in their role. We want our Liverpool parents to feel confident in their ability to care for their children but also reassured to know that help is available to them when they need it to equip them for the journey and ultimately, make parenting an even more rewarding experience.

Being able to access the right support at the right time can help prevent problems from arising or escalating. Please click here to find out more about the wide range of support available for parents and families in Liverpool and use the interactive Filter options to find the relevant support required.

*You can ring one of our 3 Early Help Locality Hubs ( North, South, and Central) who can provide phone support for practitioners and parents offering information, guidance and signposting.

Perinatal Mental Health

Pregnancy and the first year after having had a baby is a really important time for your mental health. Your NHS care providers should be considering your emotional well being as well as your physical health. We want to know what your experiences of being asked about your emotional wellbeing mental health during this time have been like. If you are currently pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire or South Cumbria, please follow the link to complete this short survey - it's takes less than 5 minutes to complete and all responses are completely anonymous.
https://bit.ly/3jp9D9d

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Parenting Journey | Liverpool's Early Help Directory

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Please see Downloads for information on temporary services during the COVID-19 Pandemic. "Developing A Happy Child Into A Fulfilled Adult" Parents - and by parents we are referring not just to mums and dads but anyone who is involved in raising children of any age - are the single biggest influence on a child's life: caregiver, role model, teacher and guide all rolled into one.

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Liverpool Early Help Directory offers lots of advice and guides you to services to support parenting through COVID 19

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Liverpool Early Help Directory offers lots of advice and guides you to services to support parenting through COVID 19

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Temporary COVID-19 Service Offer - ALPHABETICAL ORDER Action For Children, Liverpool.
We are continuing to deliver our volunteer led family support and youth mentoring service in Liverpool during lockdown. But are not able to take any new referrals.

While the Blues teams are not in schools we would like to offer you some resources to assist at this time. It is a journaling toolkit and is free to download from our website

There is a toolkit for young people to use on their own and there is a teacher/facilitator toolkit with lesson plans too

Please feel free to share with anyone you feel may benefit. https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/children-young-people/mental-health/cant-talk-write/

Additional there is support for parent carers can access on line - which also has the option for a live chat to an experience practitioner - please do have a look and get the support that you need during this time.

Coronavirus Updates As coronavirus puts extra pressure on families, we're providing more online parenting support. We have lots of advice and resources available to support you, to share with families as well as local partners and organisations in your area.

Discover our Covid-19 advice and support https://www.parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/covid-19-advice-support.

Early Help Are you looking for trusted resources and advice to share with parents? We have lots of information available online - from managing different parenting styles to separated parents or setting boundaries with teenagers. Our advice and guidance is available 24/7 https://advice.actionforchildren.org.uk/advice.

Emotional Wellbeing We also have advice for parents on how to support young people with their emotional wellbeing. Our team offer guidance for parents and carers to support their children - as well as how to look after themselves. Find out more https://minds.actionforchildren.org.uk/.

Early Years With most children now at home all day, we have some great ideas to involve them in helping with keeping things tidy. Explore advice from our parenting coaches to help little ones adapt to spending more time at home. https://dots.actionforchildren.org.uk/learning-everyday/tidying-up/.

Self-referral from parents

Self-referral for young people aged 14 and over

Early years support for both public and private early years providers across the city

Information, advice and guidance to parents

Online therapy/counselling/CBT for Looked After Children from LCC Virtual School

Online therapy and continuity support for children and young people referred by schools

Online parenting skills programme

Email and telephone enquiries

24/7 online social media support for 120,000+ followers

Webinars, podcasts and printed recourses are posted across the city. https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

Professionals online focus drop ins and workshops

Children's and family activities

Sleep support

Online Community Network Groups

Follow us on Twitter: @ADDvancedSol or Instagram: @ADDvancedSolutions

We are offering telephone and email consultations so please get in touch by calling 0151 486 1788 from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, or email us at info@addvancedsolutions.co.uk.

Advice and strategies for families of children and young people with autism or social communication needs. Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm alternatively, you can email your concern to ASDtrainingteam@liverpool.gov.uk

Working to support young carers and working alongside partners to refer to them

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/action-young-carers-liverpool

email: youngcarers.liverpool@barnardos.org.uk or call 0151 228 4455

Online dance & arts-based workshops to children and young people with neurological conditions. The project combines physiotherapy and dance for one type of workshop and occupational therapy and art for the other type of workshop.
https://thebraincharity.org.uk/how-we-can-help/practical-help/children-young-people-s-services
The Liverpool CAMHS Partnership has adapted as coronavirus impacts our everyday lives. Our partners are working hard to ensure children, young people and families get the support they need during this time. Only available for YP and parents who are open to Liverpool FRESH CAMHS and have been referred due to mental health concerns that would warrant a specialist CAMHS Service and can't be referred into externally just for the parent group.

If you are a child or young person in crisis, you can call the crisis care line 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0151 293 3577 but you should only present to Accident Emergency Department if you need medical treatment or are struggling to keep yourself safe in the immediate moment.
www.freshcamhs.org
camhs.referrals@alderhey.nhs.uk

Welfare calls to parents

Home Learning/ Activity Packs

Speech, Communication and Language interventions 0-5yrs

Supporting Children with SEN/D

Parenting advice & support - Routines/ Behaviour

Housing/ LCSS Grant support

Fareshare Food Parcels (available at some centres)

Online learning and tips for parenting during COVID-19

Food Bank vouchers

Emergency food and fuel vouchers (limited)

Ante natal appointments are still going ahead on some sites and we are sending out ante natal information packs around the Bump birth and beyond

ESF Ways to Work support

Referral: self by calling your local centres or speak to health visitor

Our first contact postnatally will commence with a phone call assessments and visit if necessary following discharge from the hospital.

We then have continued to provide postnatal care (day 5, day 7 if required and day 10 home visits)

We discharge women after an assessment of mother and baby, if there are any concerns we would continue to support. HV services will then contact women and families for their birth visit.

Helpline: 0151 233 5978

If you are concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing or managing their behaviour then please ring for professional advice, support or practical strategies. Monday to Friday: 9am - 4.30pm alternatively, you can email your concern to epsadmin@liverpool.gov.uk

Blue Family campaign to combat isolation and support societies most vulnerable

Fans and members of the community in greatest need contacted by Everton in the Community staff to deliver tailored and focused support, assistance and guidance, including:

Essential food parcels distribution, including breakfast packs for young children

Financial assistance for prescription purchases and delivery

Mobile phone credit for those living alone and with limited support networks

Support with gas and/or electricity vouchers for those facing increased fuel bills

Mental health support and advice

A referral service for access to Everton in the Community's support provision

Calls from the Everton Fan Centre to thousands of fans to maintain contact and provide a friendly voice to talk to, prioritising the elderly and isolated https://www.evertonfc.com/bluefamily/referral

Home Visits to cases flagged Red and Amber

Direct Work with Children and Young People (Socially distanced or virtual)

Parenting advice and support (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Sessions / Provision of information and resources)

Therapeutic Support to children, young people and families via our own Therapists

A range of Therapeutic Resources have been developed

Referrals to Citizens Support Scheme

Virtual Family Group Conferences (emergencies only)

Support to families who are subject to virtual Court Proceedings

Welfare calls to children, young people and their families

Information / advice / guidance / support to children, young people and their families around Covid 19

Activity and resource packs

Safeguarding statutory duties/welfare calls

Birth Visits virtual/ face to face if required

Antenatal virtual/ face to face if required

Faltering growth clinic by referral only

On call Health Visitor for support /advice Mon -Fri 9-5

For more information visit https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/physical-health-services/health-visiting/

Kinship Carers Liverpool

supporting families who are raising somebody elses child.

WhatsApp groups targeting different needs:
- general info/questions and keeping up to date
- health and well-being group
- education resources
- peer support
- young peoples WhatsApp chat

Zoom meeting which include coffee mornings, intergenerational activities and young peoples John Muir Award scheme
Regular ring rounds to all our families to assess needs, with weekly doorstep visits to deliver fresh fruit, veg and salad parcel, activities and resources.
To access our services or for further information contact us on:
eve@kinshipcarersliverpool.co.uk or call us on 07843881127 (Pauline)
www.kinshipcarersliverpool.co.uk

Supporting families with play recourse packs through the Positive About Play initiative

Currently supporting Liverpool City Councils helpline, ensuring vulnerable members of the community gain signposting and support to services and volunteers

Funding portal for organisations - COVID-19 support funds to help families

https://www.lcvs.org.uk/working-together/
LFC Foundation has launched an online safeguarding campaign to help support participants who are unable to attend their school and community sessions during the COVID-19 national lockdown.

Virtual employability sessions

Access to food services for families

Liverpool Parent and Carers Forum (LivPaC) is a group of parents and carers of children and young people with special additional needs and/or disabilities (SEND). We aim to give parents and carers a collective voice and use our experience, knowledge, and feedback from families to help commissioners and providers plan and develop the quality, range and accessibility of services families use.

'Alone we can do So little. BUT together we CAN do so MUCH'

Our Virtual Coffee Sessions our jointly held with our friends from The Isabella Trust (Guest speakers from all services)

Webinars with therapist and The Isabella Trust

Peer to Peer support for families

If families would like to book a place then they will need to email us at livpac@hotmail.co.uk

Twitter: @LivPaCL8

Instagram:- livpac

Adults concerned about the wellbeing of a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

If a parent/carer is worried about a child, have a question, or just need some reassurance they can contact the Helpline as above.

Childline remains open to children and young people:

Children can speak to a counsellor on the phone or online between 9am and midnight.

Online chats are picked up until 10.30pm and the voice service runs until midnight.

The Childline website including sending emails will still be available 24 hours a day. Our website has available new tips and advice to help new parents through the early years. From getting babies to sleep, to managing stress, and how to look after parents' own mental health.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice and support for parents and carers

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/coronavirus-advice-suppport-children-families-parents/
MDVS have adapted our existing work to reach more people during this crisis. Our working hours are ever changing to meet the needs and demand of those in need of urgent support. re continuing to support victims of domestic violence across the board, we are also continuing our work with male perpetrators through phone contact, Zoom groups and WhatsApp video calls. MDVS are providing the following support.

Covid-19 working days/hours - MDVS are operating Monday to Friday days each week from 9am to 10pm and have 2 staff on call on weekends.

We can accept referrals for individuals aged 16 years and upwards.

Delivering weekly food parcels for 30 families

Providing Tablet Devices for families to assist with communicating and contact

Support and safety planning with male and female victims of domestic violence via phone and video call

Group work and 1 to 1 work with female victims and survivors of domestic violence held weekly

Group work and 1 to 1 work with male perpetrators held 3 times per week

Main contact number - 07802 722 703

Evening and Weekend contact number (after 5pm) 07802 722 703 / 07780 948 890

Main email - ayla.mdvs@ymail.com

Website: www.mdvs.org

Currently delivering Youth Connect 5 virtually for parents and young people to access together

Poetry sessions on Instagram live

Our landline, email and postal addresses all remain active, and MYA's mentors/workers will still be contactable via telephone and/or email, so please get in touch if you have any immediate concerns.

0151 702 0700 admin@mya.org.uk

Positive Futures is a charitable organisation based in North Liverpool. We work with young people aged 8 to 24yrs and their families giving them access to support, guidance, 1:1 support and opportunities.

Our Family Support Service is available to those who are looking after a young person currently working with our Targeted Support Team. Our dedicated Family Support Worker works closely with multi-agencies on a wide range of issues to improve the emotional wellbeing of parents, carers and young people. Together with the Targeted Support Service our Family Support Service can create a pathway of support and advice for a better way of life for all of the family.

Positive Futures are here to support both young people and families through this difficult time. If you know of someone who would benefit from the support of Positive Futures please email details through to info@positivefutures.org.uk or call 0151 207 6003
Parent and Baby Relationship Service
For families with babies aged conception to 18 months old, who are under social care (EHAT, Child in Need or Safeguarding).

We offer training and consultation to professionals. We offer consultation and therapy to families, some group work and lots of work with individual families. Some evening appointments available, not weekends at present.

The focus of all work is strengthening the parent and baby relationship, helping them understand each other and enjoy each other's company.

To discuss using the service (for professionals or parents/carers) phone 0151 702 5535 or email parentandbaby@pss.org.uk . NB all referrals through the Early Help Hubs at present.
PSS, Prisoner's Families
Prisoner's Families support children and families when they have a parent or close relative, being sentenced, in prison or released from prison. During the current pandemic the service can offer support and advice via telephone, and email/posting any relevant/necessary resources. The service is available from Monday- Friday 9am- 4:30pm. Referrals can be made via emailing your concern to: jessica.schorah@pss.org.uk
PSS - Family Impact
Family Impact supports families who are going through a difficult time because a parent is misusing substances. Emotional support is being provided by telephone to parents who are in recovery, kinship carers (often grandparents) and other family members who are affected by it. Information and guidance on finances, caring for children at home and self-care is also available.

The service operates Monday to Friday 9am - 5:30pm.

Email referrals to: family.impact@pss.org.uk

School Nurse On call 9-5 across the city

Lead School Nurse link with education hubs

Safeguarding statutory duties/welfare calls

Faltering growth clinic by referral only

On call School Nurse support/advice Mon-Fri 9-5

Helpline: 07591837693

If your child has special educational needs and you are wanting to know more on how to support their learning at home then please ring for professional advice, support or practical strategies. Monday: 1pm - 4pm, Wednesday: 9am - 4pm, Friday: 9am - 12pm alternatively, you can email your concern to seniss@liverpool.gov.uk

Helpline: 07540707541

If you need advice or support regarding your child's speech and language then please contact Christine Taylor, Principal Speech and Language Therapist. Tuesday to Friday: 9am - 12pm alternatively, you can email your concern to christine.taylor@liverpool.gov.uk

Parent iag welfare calls

Foodbank vouchers

Yc5 delivery with MYA

Online resources for parents via email /call during covid

Counselling for children and young people via telephone

IAG delivery for young people via telephone

CAB advice on prescription

Self and professional referrals accepted online and via phone and email support@ypas.org.uk
We Are With You Liverpool.
We Are With You (Formally Young Addaction) offer support Drug and Alcohol support and awareness to young people aged 10-18 or up to 24 for young people with additional needs . Working across the city of Liverpool we offer a varied programme of support to all young people and various training to professionals. We Are With You work with all agencies and will accept referrals via professionals, family members and self-referrals.
We Are With You Family Team.
We Are With You also has a family team consisting of family workers who work with parents that are using Drugs or Alcohol in the city, and also support the whole family. The family team works closely with the EHAT and Children's Services to support families and reduce the risk of social care being involved with the family.

Contact - 0151 706 9747

Freephone - 08000196197

Email - YPReferrals@wearewithyou.org.uk

Instagram - wearewithyou_ypliverpool

Twitter - @ypliverpool

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Children, Young People and Families Temporary COVID-19 Service Offer - ALPHABETICAL ORDER Action For Children, Liverpool. We are continuing to deliver our volunteer led family support and youth mentoring service in Liverpool during lockdown. But are not able to take any new referrals.

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A short video with tips and ideas to support children's behaviour and possible stress during the pandemic

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A short video with tips and ideas to support children's behaviour and possible stress during the pandemic

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COVID-19 Anxiety: Supporting Children | Family Services

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A collection of free online books, in a range of languages to support children's understanding of COVID19

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A collection of free online books, in a range of languages to support children's understanding of COVID19

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The DOE is committed to creating and supporting learning environments that reflect the diversity of New York City. To ensure that our website serves the needs of everyone, it follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level AA. That means the sites work for people with disabilities, including those who are blind and partially sighted. We are committed to creating accessible digital experiences for all website visitors. If you require assistance with any documents on our site, please please call 917-521-3654, email mdodes2@schools.nyc.gov, or mail to: Michael Dodes, 4360 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10033 for assistance.

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New York City School Library System: COVID-19 Children's eBook Collection: COVID-19 Free eBooks

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The DOE is committed to creating and supporting learning environments that reflect the diversity of New York City. To ensure that our website serves the needs of everyone, it follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level AA. That means the sites work for people with disabilities, including those who are blind and partially sighted.

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Celebrate family and friends on Nick Jr. and watch clips from your favourite shows before taking part in the quiz! Look out for Peppa Pig, George Pig and even more of Peppa's friends and family!

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Nick Jr.: Peppa Pig Family & Friends Quiz!

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Celebrate family and friends on Nick Jr. and watch clips from your favourite shows before taking part in the quiz! Look out for Peppa Pig, George Pig and even more of Peppa's friends and family!

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Simple games to support our younger children 

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Simple games to support our younger children 

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Make sure you input your child's age for games that suit their ability!

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activities and early learning for preschoolers

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Online games for preschool and kindergarten - FunbrainJr.com

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These fun and vibrant games for kids ages 2-6 will help children build early learning skills in math and reading.

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Tips from the NHS for parents and staff for looking after ourselves during a pandemic

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Be kind to your mind

There are small things we can all do to help be kind to your mind, and these can make a big difference to how we feel.

Get expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine.

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There are small things we can all do to help be kind to your mind, and these can make a big difference to how we feel. Get expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine.

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Online maths games for Early Years children

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Online maths games for Early Years children

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Crickweb provide lots of games supporting number and shape recognition

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A basic numeral recognition activitiy. Develop your mouse control and number skills by matching number digits to words in the 1 to 10 range.

A drag and drop alien making activity to develop mouse control skills and to develop language. Use the worksheet to direct the activity more tightly.
Friends-to-make

This simple labelling activity can be used to reinforce the idea of labels and as a framework for children to begin to add their own captions and labels to familiar scenes such as a teddy bear's picnic.
picnic lesson outline

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Free online interactive EYFS, Foundation Stage and Early Years resources, activities and games. Help your child with early learning goals. Learning through play is the perfect way to teach 3-4 year olds first skills in counting, initial sounds, colours, compare and order, matching and mouse skills.

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Resources for parents and carers from @LivPacL8 

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Resources for parents and carers from @LivPacL8 

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Produced by LivPac & Chris Cavanagh (LCC Parenting Co-ordinator)

As Parenting Co-ordinator for Liverpool City Council, I am proud that we can offer parents across the city a platform to share their stories whilst offering resources from across a wide spectrum of organisations to support parents on their journey.

It has been a privilege to pull these SEND blogs and information together and I would like to thank the parents, LivPac and our partners for their support and assistance in piecing this jigsaw of information together.

Chris Cavanagh
Liverpool Parent and Carers Forum (LivPaC) is a group of parents and carers of children and young people with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who work with education, health and care services to ensure the services they plan and deliver are fit for purpose and meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Liverpool. We have a Steering Group of parent and carer volunteers who lead this work and who actively seek out the experiences and views of parents and carers across Liverpool to make sure we know what is important to them.

We aim to give parents and carers a collective voice and use our experience, knowledge, and feedback from families to help commissioners and providers plan and develop the quality, range and accessibility of services families use.

What we do: Through our participation and co-production, we are working to create a culture across all services which places need of families at the centre of the decision making.

We aim to: Empower parents/carers to have a voice give information to be a collective voice for as many families as possible across Liverpool by providing a forum for views to help develop services work in partnership with a service provider, be supportive and accessible to all families across Liverpool provides examples of good practice, provide informal support, encourage and promote inclusive attitudes and practice.

"Alone, we can do so little. BUT together we CAN do so MUCH"

It is hard to go through COVID-19 with our children/young people in lockdown when they are full of anxiety and worry from not seeing their friends. As a forum, we have been doing three coffee sessions and 3-4 webinars a week with our partners The Isabella Trust, so that parents and carers, have access to tutors and knowing that they are not on their own. Since the beginning of lockdown, we with our partners The Isabella Trust have supported approximately 1600 families and professionals, from all areas of the UK, and we have gone worldwide to such places as Dubai, Bermuda, Cape Town, Nova Scotia and Barcelona.

Blogs

Here, we get the lowdown on lockdown life according to single mother of two neurodiverse children, Natalia Figueroa Castilla. She speaks of the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has presented with regards to her new relationship, setting a routine and spreading her parental care to two children with different needs...

In this blog, Sue Kelly shares her experience in balancing the initial worry between her and her husband having to work from home while teaching three children - each with their own unique needs. She tells us how priorities shifted to maintaining collective mental health and wellbeing during the lockdown.

SEND Resources & Support

COVID-19 Guided Self-help Booklet Series

The University of Glasgow, with assistance from colleagues at Lancaster University and the University of Warwick, has published a series of guided self-help booklets developed to support people with mild to moderate learning/intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Printed versions are available to reach and include people with learning/intellectual disabilities who do not have internet access.
Download the booklet here.
STARS: Coronavirus Resources for Children with Autism

Social Stories present information about coronavirus visually and so are easier to process for autistic children and young people. Choose the Social Story best suited to the child or young person you are working with, you may need to edit it so it is personalised to them.

The symbols provided can be used to create a home Visual Timetable to provide some structure to your child or young person's day.

It may be valuable to use a Talking Mat; a visual scaffold designed to enable children and young people to express their views and concerns.

Try using Worry Plans to address specific worries the child or young person might have. Work together to list personalised strategies to address the worry, record them on the plan and keep it to refer to again.
You can discover the resources at www.starsteam.org.uk/coronavirus-resources.
LD Coronavirus Resources

Information for people with learning disabilities as well as useful things for staff teams and families: sites.google.com/view/learningdisabilitycoronavirus/home.

Emergency planning during the Coronavirus outbreak

Together Matters has written a guide with essential information to help family carers plan to get the support they need during the current crisis.

The guide has information and ideas for:

coping with staying at home

family carer/paid carer becoming ill

their relative becoming ill

their relative going to hospital

It's designed for family carers to use with others, such as wider family, neighbours, friends, support organisations, carers' centres or social workers who can give support with finding solutions and putting practical things in place. Visit www.togethermatters.org.uk/resources-and-information.

Tips on home schooling for families: www.afasic.org.uk/2020/04/tips-on-home-schooling-from-other-parents/.

FOCUS: Bereavement resources

Coronavirus and bereavement - Support for Schools / Settings and Parents / Carers

In the coming months, more children and young people are likely to have experienced bereavement through the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This document aims to offer support to schools or settings and parents or carers on how best to support children and young people who have experienced loss during this uncertain time. The document outlines some key practical advice as well as signposting further expertise and resource.

This document has been written by Bracknell Forest EPS in collaboration with Innovate Services and is a valuable support resource in helping to tackle issues surrounding coronavirus and bereavement.

Cruse: Bereavement care including coronavirus dealing with bereavement and grief -
www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus-dealing-bereavement-and-grief.

Child Bereavement UK: Help children and young people (up to age 25), parents and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies: www.childbereavementuk.org.

Selfcare for Caregivers: The International School Counselor Association is a professional organization, which provides leadership and advocacy for the profession of school counselling in International Schools.

They have come up with a self-care for carers guide, which you can visit here: iscainfo.com/Self-Care-for-Caregivers.

FOCUS: Early Years / SEND resources: The EYSEND Partnership has developed a number of useful resources for settings, which you can view here.

FOCUS: Liverpool SEND Support Groups

Caring for SEND children is equally rewarding and challenging. Quite simply, doing it alone is a difficult task, which is why the LivPac team have created this handy SEND Resources and Support Information document to help find support which will hopefully make life easier for you and the children in your care.

FOCUS: Mental Health support

Calming down worries, for children: Children and parents alike can access Psychology 4 Learning's helpful guide here.

Calming down worries, for adults: Parents and guardians alike can access Psychology 4 Learning's helpful guide here.

Childline: Calm Zone - There are lots of ways to feel calmer. It's about finding what works for our children. They can try some of Childline's breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress by visiting www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone.

A menu of activities to structure routine and time: Look after your wellbeing by finding purposeful balance. Most people will find the additional time that they now have difficult to manage because life is ordinarily organised and we are usually so busy. In the current situation, we now have more unstructured time than we may be used to. This activity menu may help you structure your time.

Taking CARE To Promote Mental Health in Schools and Colleges: The CARE animation is a short animation for all school and college staff that recognises the importance of supporting children and young people's mental health in schools and colleges, and offers a simple principle for staff to remember: CARE (Curious, Approachable, Refer, Empathy).
Mindful and relaxation exercises that parents can do with younger children to help with managing anxiety
As well as the above video, Headspace also have some handy tips for helping kids to meditate: www.headspace.com/meditation/kids.

Managing anxiety about the virus as adults

Below is a list of useful resources which can help adults allay Coronavirus-related anxiety:

Anxiety and world news: How to strengthen children & teens against anxiety after news of a world trauma: www.heysigmund.com/anxiety-in-children-after-world-trauma.

How to talk to kids and teens about world trauma: This useful guide can be accessed here: www.heysigmund.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-and-teens-about-world-trauma.

Supporting Students Experiencing Childhood Trauma: Tips for Parents and Educators from the National Association of School Psychologists

This useful guide can be accessed here: www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/trauma/supporting-students-experiencing-childhood-trauma-tips-for-parents-and-educators.

FOCUS: Preparing for Adult Life

The key topics to consider as your child moves into adulthood:

Making a plan

Making decisions

Benefits & money

Wills & trusts

Education, health & social care

Getting a job

Independent living & housing

Growing up, sex & relationships

More information can be found at contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/preparing-for-adult-life.

FOCUS: Supporting families during Covid-19

Covid-19: Direct response service: www.wellchild.org.uk/coronavirus/direct-response

Covid-19: An ACT approach to parental burnout:

FOCUS: Supporting children through Covid-19

Information for parents of how to support children through COVID-19:

FOCUS: Transition back to school

Liverpool Learning Partnership: padlet.com/jholder_llp/goingbacktoschool.

The Scott Centre for Autism Treatment - Video sharing tips for the Back to School Transition for Children with Autism:

Babcock LDP Educational Psychology Service: www.babcockldp.co.uk/disadvantaged-vulnerable-learners/educational-psychology/resources/transition-guidance.

Supporting SEND transitions through the Early Years: www.earlyyearscareers.com/eyc/latest-news/supporting-send-transitions-through-the-early-years.
Inclusive resources:
WATCH - The Brain Charity Physiotherapy and Dance:

The Brain Charity are also working on bringing live sessions to children and young people that need these workshops and if you would like to find out more then please email Joanne, the Project Coordinator: [email protected] .

"SEND Toolkit" (an introduction to supporting children with additional needs in the classroom):

1. There is so much information about the SEND Code of practice, but teachers who are unfamiliar with it can start with something simple and easy to read: MENCAP SEND publication

2. The full document can be viewed here: SEND Code of Practice Full Document

3. A useful Youtube video which is good to help young people learn about EHCPs and what it means to them

4. Websites for classroom resources that are well set out and 'chunked' for SEND support: & SENteacher

5. P scales information on the TES website

6. A useful document looking at each subject separately for Secondary / KS3&4

7. All about different types of SEND: www.humansnotrobots.co.uk/p/resources-hub.html

8. Visual timetables - a variety of symbol based resources for Primary students

Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities

Supporting Students with Autism

Webinars, social stories and tips for parents supporting children with Autism during Covid-19 - ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Supporting-students-with-Autism.pdf

Families everywhere are struggling to care for (and homeschool) children cut off from their normal routines and activities during the coronavirus crisis. Kids with ADHD may need extra structure and support to manage attention and behaviour challenges and keep on track with learning in this challenging situation. This article provides suggestions from ADHD experts for helping kids with ADHD weather this storm: childmind.org/article/giving-kids-with-adhd-support-and-structure-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/#163961_20200415095626.

Support

Partner Websites

Website and activity ideas
A Twitter stream sharing Found Resources and home learning packs that would be suitable for SEND pupils: twitter.com/teachPMLD/status/1240369135885975554/photo/1 50 sensory learning activities: inclusiveteach.com/2020/03/20/150-sensory-learning-ideas
Activities including sensory and massage stories themed for the time of year:
Download here via Dropbox
GoNoodle - videos designed to get kids moving: www.gonoodle.com Twinkl - free home learning booklets from EYFS through to GCSE, you can download them here: www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/extra-subjects-parents/school-closures-category-free-resources-parents/school-closures-free-resources-parents
Other Useful Resources

Children coming to hospital

This resource aims to make hospital visits better for children. The resource is made up of an animation and comic strip for children and young people, an animation for health professionals and a leaflet for parent/carers. View it here.

Epilepsy toolkit

Developed in partnership with Epilepsy Action, SUDEP Action and Young Epilepsy, this Epilepsy Toolkit will support systems to understand the priorities in epilepsy care and key actions to take. It provides opportunity to assess and benchmark current systems to find opportunities for improvement. It is produced with reference to an expert group of stakeholders and is supported by NICE. You can access the toolkit via the NHS Rightcare Pathways web page: www.england.nhs.uk/rightcare/products/pathways/epilepsy-toolkit.

Top 3 'misc' useful resources

1. Coronavirus Tech Handbook: The current biggest compilation of information, support and resources (It is HUGE!): coronavirustechhandbook.com

2. A huge summary of working from home resources www.notion.so/Digital-Working-COVID

3. A simple social story explaining the coronavirus: carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-theCoronavirus.pdf

Top 5 COVID-19 explanation and support resources

1. A huge home learning resource list - chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/resources-list-for-home-learning

2. Supporting children and young people with COVID-19 worries: wokingmind.org.uk/mental-health-conditions-information-resources/coronavirus-your-wellbeing

3. MIND Coronavirus and your wellbeing: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing

4. 9 ways to stay positive during the pandemic: www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2020/03/15/9-ways-to-stay-positive-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic

5. BBC Newsround Coronavirus information for children www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51204456

6. Here, you will find new SEND Guidance videos from nasen/Whole School SEND: www.sendgateway.org.uk/whole-school-send/find-wss-resources/nqt-videos.html

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Produced by LivPac & Chris Cavanagh (LCC Parenting Co-ordinator) As Parenting Co-ordinator for Liverpool City Council, I am proud that we can offer parents across the city a platform to share their stories whilst offering resources from across a wide ... Read more...

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A free download... The tale of going back to Nursery

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A free download... The tale of going back to Nursery

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Books for big adventures

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The Tale of Going Back to Nursery & Pre-School (After the COVID-19 Lockdown)

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Welcome to this Free & Downloadable, Special Edition Tales of Me Book! Like all our other Tales, the aim of The Tale of Going Back to Nursery & Pre-School, is to positively prepare children for times of change through the power of personalisation.

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A blog from Famly

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Transitions are a big part of our Early Years practice.

Positive transitions that allow children to navigate through the unknown to the next stage are central to supporting and developing emotional well-being. Positive transitions help to build resilience and confidence, while negative ones may build insecurities and anxiety.

So what kind of transition is the next one going to be?

How early transitions are experienced could significantly impact on our capacity to cope with change in the short and long term. Now that many settings around the world are starting to open up, it's vital that we understand what has changed, so we can make this next transition as easy as possible for the children in our care.

COVID-19: A sudden transition

A dictionary definition of 'transition' is;
'The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another'
Sound familiar? Coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted everyone's life in some way, shape or form. In fact, it's been a particularly harsh transition for many people, with little or no warning or time to prepare for this strange new world.

No more meeting up with friends and families. Schools and childcare settings only open to a small percentage of children. Parents left juggling childcare, homeschooling and work.

Lockdown thrust us all into the unknown. Feelings of uncertainty, worries about the implication the virus may have on work, income, shopping for food, anxiety about our own health and that of our family and friends.

It's important that we reflect on how different people may have reacted to the changes we've all experienced. Adult's reactions often depend on their previous life experiences, and young children look to their adults for guidance.

This is sometimes called 'social referencing'; they observe their adults to see how they might react. For example, if a parent screams when they see a spider, the chances are that the young child would also be upset. However, if the parent is calm and shows an interest in the spider the child may follow this reaction instead.

It's also worth reminding ourselves that coronavirus will have affected families in different ways, ranging from not being directly affected to experiencing bereavement. Some of us will be thriving on lockdown life, perhaps enjoying the slower pace, spending time with others in their household, baking, cooking, going for walks. However, some families will be in survival mode, interactions within the household may be strained and, in some cases, abusive.

A little bit of brain science

The pandemic may have left people feeling adrift, with a sense of loss at no longer feeling safe, or only feeling safe in their own home.

This video is useful to understand how our brains work when this kind of stress or anxiety is present.

You have to bear in mind this might change as lockdown restrictions ease. More adults can return to work, more children can return to childcare and school and this may bring new feelings of fear, worry or anxiety or relight some of these overwhelming feelings. As of yet, there is no immunisation to help protect us and we all have to plan our 'new norm' as we co-exist with the presence of coronavirus.

All of this is why it is really important that we all pay attention to our own mental health and well-being alongside that of our families, staff, parents, children and young people.

Enabling environments

It's not just about risk assessments and the planning of our physical environments for children right now. We also need to pay close attention to the emotional environments we provide.

Some children may happily skip through your setting door as they return, eager and excited to see you and their friends. Separation may be difficult for some children and parents too, and children in particular may not fully understand recent events.

Additionally, sadly, home life is not a safe haven for all, and we have to be aware of the possible secondary harms that coronavirus may have brought, including child abuse and domestic violence. Your childcare setting may be their only solace/safe place.

All this means that we have to be aware when children display their anxiety and stress. This can be difficult, because children respond to stress in different ways. Babies and the youngest children may show their distress by crying and being unsettled. Changes in behaviours may be an indicator - clinginess, meltdowns, regression, unsettled nights, nightmares - and they may try and explain their feelings physically, telling you they have a headache or tummy ache. It's really important that our practitioners know how to recognise these signs, and know how to act when they do.

As childcare settings re-open or start to reintegrate more children, here are a few things you can do to prepare children and families for this change.

9 ideas for an easier transition

1. Before they return to childcare, ask families for an update from home. Is there anything you need to know? Changes in routine or behaviours? These could be difficult changes, or positive ones too. Maybe parents have found that their child has learnt new skills, for example, and it's helpful to know this too.

2. If there is time before children return, consider sending them a video or message to invite them back, telling them how much you are looking forward to seeing them back in their second home.

3. You could try creating a social story to help parents to talk to their children about returning to childcare. Here is a nice example to get you started!

4. Take the time to explain any fundamental changes to your physical environments along with any new rules that may be in place.

5. Ask for photos or information about the things that families have been doing whilst at home and use this information to talk to the children as they return.

6. Provide lots of opportunities to explore emotions with children. Facilitate opportunities to talk or perhaps draw. For example, what makes them feel safe? Where is their favourite place? What makes them laugh right now?

7. Children are reassured when their adults are providing a sense of calm, so it may help to talk to the children about illness. For example, that we all get sick sometimes and that washing their hands can help wash away germs. You may find this resource useful and this video has some specific information about coronavirus using images and Makaton.

8. Help children to make their own sensory bottles, which might help them to regain a feeling of calm. Comfort items will also be crucial for some children as they re-settle.

9. Times for exercise and calm throughout the day may help children to regulate their bodies. You may have to adjust some elements of your pre-pandemic childcare practice and routines, but careful planning and support will help children to adjust to their new norm.

Free staff management guide

Interested in reading more? Download our full guide to improve your staff management skills.

Sue Asquith / About Author

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9 Ideas for an Easier Transition Back to Your Childcare Setting

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Transitions are a big part of our Early Years practice. Positive transitions that allow children to navigate through the unknown to the next stage are central to supporting and developing emotional well-being. Positive transitions help to build resilience and confidence, while negative ones may build insecurities and anxiety.

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A blog full of ideas for outdoor activities

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A blog full of ideas for outdoor activities

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Made by Creative Star Learning

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Creative STAR Learning | I'm a teacher, get me OUTSIDE here!

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Early Years Outdoors | Creative STAR Learning | I’m a teacher, get me OUTSIDE here!

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Oct 3, 2023 | Early Years Outdoors, Nature Play & Learning, Whole School

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We may be limited to where we can go out but there is a whole range of places we can go from the comfort of our own homes!

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lots of ideas to support out youngest children's development from home or our settings

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Tinkergarten outdoor classes and activities where kids learn through play

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Tinkergarten play-based outdoor learning activities for kids are easy, fun and designed for learning skills that matter most. Try DIY activities with your kids, or take a class with a certified Tinkergarten leader.

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Ideas and online games from BBC Northern Ireland for early years children

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Ideas and online games from BBC Northern Ireland for early years children

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Lots of games to support a range of early years skills

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Foundation Stage - Northern Ireland - BBC Bitesize

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Resources available on site including a no school calendar and social story about Covid 19

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Resources available on site including a no school calendar and social story about Covid 19

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copyright of https://theautismeducator.ie/

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Irish schools are to remain closed until the end of January 2021. For families like mine, we will now Home School our children, with online learning for some being an option. For my sons, I know that online-learning is not an option as it will not meet their needs or...

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Oxford Owl site with games for children ages 3+

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Oxford Owl site with games for children ages 3+

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online games to support early mathematics for our little learners

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You and your little ones can have loads of fun with maths! There are loads of activity sheets and videos to explore on this page, or you can browse by age.

You'll also find heaps of activity books to further develop maths skills in our bookshop.

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Fun maths games and activities - Oxford Owl for Home

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Fun maths games to help develop the skills children need at primary school, for ages 3 to 11. From Oxford University Press.

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Lots of resources from Early Years in Mind to support working with young children during a pandemic

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Lots of resources from Early Years in Mind to support working with young children during a pandemic

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Early Years in Mind is a free online network for early years practitioners.

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A video to support children's understanding of the virus

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A video to support children's understanding of the virus

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Good points for us to talk about in a child friendly way

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Managing unexpected endings and transitions

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Managing unexpected endings and transitions

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Support for staff working with children who have experienced bereavement from Anna Freud National centre for children and families

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Download a toolkit for building resilience

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Download a toolkit for building resilience

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Mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

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Our sixth coronavirus toolkit is full of resilience-building resources for children, school staff and parents and carers.

Date published: 01/06/2020
When we experience sudden or unsettling change, one thing that can help us cope is resilience. Resilience helps us deal with the emotions a new situation may cause, and helps us bounce back from difficulties we might encounter.

Being resilient is an emotional skill and is something we can develop and build, both as children and as adults. The resources in this toolkit are all about resilience and coping with change, which we hope will be useful for children, school staff and parents and carers alike.

As some schools prepare to see more pupils return, building and nurturing resilience will be more important than ever.

Suitable for:

early years children

Key Stage 1 pupils

Key Stage 2 pupils

school staff

parents and carers.

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Coronavirus: resources for building resilience toolkit #6 : Mentally Healthy Schools

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Our sixth coronavirus toolkit is full of resilience-building resources for children, school staff and parents and carers. Date published: 01/06/2020 When we experience sudden or unsettling change, one thing that can help us cope is resilience. Resilience helps us deal with the emotions a new situation may cause, and helps us bounce back from difficulties we might encounter.

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Talking to children and young people about the pandemic

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Talking to children and young people about the pandemic

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Reserach and information from the Evidence Based ractice Unit (Anna Freud NCCF)

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Coronavirus research bite #3: Talking to children and young people about the pandemic

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Sign up for weekly email tips for supporting babie's development

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Sign up for weekly email tips for supporting babie's development

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Your child's date of birth:

Our tips are for children aged 0-2 years. If you're still expecting, pop in your due date and we'll send you your first tip two weeks after that date.

First half of postcode:

Sharing your local area helps us measure the success of our local campaigns. Please type the first half of your postcode here, for example: NG31

We'd love to keep you posted with news about our work, how your support can make a difference and the variety of exciting ways you can support us in the future.

If you wish to change the way that we contact you in the future please contact our Supporter Care team on 020 7825 2505 or email us at supportercare@nspcc.org.uk. We will never pass on your details to any other organisations to use for their own purposes and you can find out about how we use and look after your data at nspcc.org.uk/privacy-policy.

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Your child's date of birth: Our tips are for children aged 0-2 years. If you're still expecting, pop in your due date and we'll send you your first tip two weeks after that date. First half of postcode: Sharing your local area helps us measure the success of our local campaigns.

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Handy leaflet for parents

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Look, Say, Sing, Play is a set of resources which encourage interaction between parents and their babies.

Parents and carers interact with their babies all the time without always realising how those interactions shape the way their baby's brain develops.

Improving interaction and encouraging parents to be more sensitive to their baby's cues helps parents identify and respond to their needs.

It also improves attunement and sensitivity of parents from an early stage, setting up positive behaviour as their child grows.

Improving interaction between parents and babies

These brain-building resources are based on the work of Vroom, a US public health initiative that uses the science of early learning to help parents improve back-and-forth interactions with their children.

Serve and return interactions - when a parent responds positively to their child by speaking, gesturing or touching - help shape brain architecture by building and strengthening the neural connections that babies need to develop communication and social skills.

This set of resources will help you to provide parents with brain-building tips that they can easily incorporate into their everyday routine and boost their child's development.

Download the resources

Look, Say, Sing, Play leaflet

This leaflet gives parents a handy introduction to brain-building tips for their child from birth, up until the age of 2. It helps them understand how they can bring more interaction in to their daily routine, and gives them an introduction to the science behind the campaign.
> Download the Look, Say, Sing, Play leaflet (PDF)
Look, Say, Sing, Play posters

A series of four posters to display where parents will see them. Each design give a different brain-building tip on how to interact with their baby and encourages parents to sign up for weekly tips via email.
> Download the set of four Look, Say, Sing, Play posters (PDF)
You can also download the posters individually:

Look, Say, Sing, Play activity posters

Ten activity posters outlining a range of different age-appropriate tips which parents can try with their child. These can be displayed and used around children's centres where Look, Say, Sing, Play sessions are running or by parents independently.
> Download blowfish activity poster (PDF) > Download colour hunt activity poster (PDF) > Download copy cat activity poster (PDF) > Download follow the face activity poster (PDF) > Download fun with fingers activity poster (PDF) > Download saw the sign activity poster (PDF) > Download sharing the story activity poster (PDF) > Download sing-song voice activity poster (PDF) > Download space explorer activity poster (PDF) > Download vroom, vroom activity poster (PDF)
Look, Say, Sing, Play session plans

There are two different session plans. The first is a guide to running a standalone session and the second is a shorter version with ideas of how to incorporate Look, Say, Sing, Play messages into an existing group or activity.
> Download the full Look, Say, Sing, Play session plan (PDF) > Download the guide to including Look, Say, Sing, Play into an existing group (PDF)
Look, Say, Sing, Play activity sheets

Four activity sheets outlining a range of different age-appropriate tips which parents can try with their child. These can be used within a session which is outlined in the plans above or by parents independently.
> Download the set of four Look, Say, Sing, Play activity sheets (PDF)
Look, Say, Sing, Play flashcards

Two A4 sheets to be printed double-sided and cut into 17 flashcards. Each card gives an everyday activity parents can try with their child. The flip-side of each card explains 'the science bit' - how the activity helps their child's development.
> Download the Look, Say, Sing, Play flashcards (PDF)
Download resources in other languages

The Look, Say, Sing, Play leaflet and posters are also available in Welsh, Polish and Somali.
Welsh > Download the Look, Say, Sing, Play leaflet - Welsh (PDF) > Download the set of four Look, Say, Sing, Play posters - Welsh (PDF) Polish > Download the Look, Say, Sing, Play leaflet - Polish (PDF) > Download the set of four Look, Say, Sing, Play posters - Polish (PDF) Somali > Download the Look, Say, Sing, Play leaflet - Somali (PDF) > Download the set of four Look, Say, Sing, Play posters - Somali (PDF)

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Look, Say, Sing, Play early years resources to use and share with parents | NSPCC Learning

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Look, Say, Sing, Play is a set of resources which encourage interaction between parents and their babies. Parents and carers interact with their babies all the time without always realising how those interactions shape the way their baby's brain develops.

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Ways to support your baby's development at home or in provision

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Sound Sensor | Look Say Sing Play | NSPCC

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We've teamed up with Vroom™ to give you some fun and easy tips to help you bring even more Look, Say, Sing and Play into your daily routine with your baby. T...

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A story from the CDC to support returns to education 

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A story from the CDC to support returns to education 

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Help some of our children with a story about how we feel after a disaster

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Ideas for parents from Cbeebies to support mathematical development at home or nursery

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Numberblocks - Help your child be epic at maths

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Give your child a head start in Maths: everything parents need to know about Numeracy development from 0-6 with fun activities you can build into everyday life and play

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10 top ideas to develop communication and language with young children

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1. Practice turn-taking and talking with the pom-pom avalanche
Pom Pom Turn Taking Game by Onetimethrough
What you need for this communication and language activity:

Around 50 coloured pom-poms

Wooden barbecue sticks or pipe cleaners

A large colander

Trap the pom-poms in the colander using the wooden sticks or pipe cleaners and then turn it upside down. Next, the children take turns to carefully remove one stick or pipe cleaner each, until all of the pom poms fall down like an avalanche!

Why it works:

Children are able to practice turn-taking (as you do in conversation) in a fun way, and support their fine motor skills to boot. Plus, there's plenty of opportunity for new vocabulary when talking about what's happening in the game.

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2. Develop attention with a classic memory game
Paper Plate Big Alphabet Memory Game by Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls
What you need for this communication and language activity:

A kingsize variation of the good old pair-matching game. Take several paper plates and markers and write some letters if you want your little ones to practice literacy or draw shapes, animals and other items if it's time to build their vocabulary.

‍Why it works:

Another opportunity to hone those turn-taking skills and practice paying attention. Children can also help one another out, using their broadening verbal and social skills to support a teammate. This is also a great way to throw in some positional vocabulary, to extend sentences like "that one there."

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3. Get talking on the DIY telephone
Super Simple Listening Game and Crafts for Kids by Kids Activities Blog

What you need for this communication and language activity:

Plastic Cups

String or Rope

Paint for Decoration

This simple, crafty telephone will engage children for hours. All they need to do is paint some plastic cups, poke a hole in each of them, and thread string through the bottom. You can experiment with various speaking activities but we recommend the old-school game of telephone where kids whisper to each other and pass the message around.

‍Why it works:

While phones with cords may be a thing of the past, a good old natter on the phone is likely to be something the children in your setting are familiar with. Whether it's role-playing being a parent or carer on the telephone, or passing messages to one another, the more opportunities to talk and communicate with one another, the better.

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4. Practice careful listening with a game of dance freeze
Game of the Week: Dance Freeze by Playworks
What you need for this communication and language activity:

A Music Player

An Open Area Free of Obstacles

Dance when the music's on and freeze when it stops - just like musical statues. You might know it as some ice-breaker entertainment for a birthday party, but it's also great for an attention and listening exercise. If you're not sure what to play, check out this video with some lovely, cartoon characters that sing and guide their audience.

‍Why it works:

Communication requires good listening and, like any other skill, those listening skills need careful development. Making a game of listening carefully, and responding appropriately when a sound starts or stops, is a great way to practice using those all-important listening ears.

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5. Tell a tale with some story stones
Homemade Story Stones by Happy Hooligans
What you need for this communication and language activity:

Small Stones

Stickers or Mod Podge and Magazine Pictures Cut-Outs

First, you'll need some flat and smooth stones from a craft shop, beach, or your setting's garden. Next, you and the children decorate them with individual pictures, that can prompt part of a story. Choose one of the stones and start a tale based on the picture on it, then encourage your preschoolers to draw more stones and continue the story.

‍Why it works:

Story stones are essentially very simple prompts for narrative play. "Tell me a story about this sun, painted on the stone," is far easier instruction to hear than just "Talk to me about something!" If you want the children in your setting to talk, give them something interesting to talk about.

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6. Get chatting about fashion with this dressing-up activity
Free Let's Get Dressed Game by Teaching Talking
What you need for this communication and language activity:

Simply print the free templates and cut them out.

‍Why it works:

As above, children are inspired to communicate about something that interests them. These neat printables encourage your little fashionistas to use vocabulary about clothes and colours and can support talking about personal care routines, differences, and preferences.

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7. See and say with "I Spy"
10 Ways to Play 'I Spy' by Teaching Every Day
What you need for this communication and language activity:

At the link, you'll find 10 variations of 'I Spy' game to mix up the old classic.

‍‍Why it works:

I spy is fantastic for communication and language. Within the game are opportunities for children to practice thinking about questions they can ask (and listening to the answer), turn-taking, remembering what's been asked before, and of course, social interactions.

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8. Talking practice for pre-schoolers with Tabboo
Taboo Pack for Kids by Way to Master English
What you need for this communication and language activity:

The free printables from the link above

Scissors

Each card consists of a picture that players have to explain to each other without using the three words listed underneath. It's an amazing, playful activity that takes vocabulary development to a whole new level and encourages creativity.

Why it works:

T‍his game is perfect for older children who are developing a broader vocabulary. The game forces the players to think beyond the 'taboo' words listed, to describe an object in a way that their friends will understand and recognise it.

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9. Nursery Rhymes for nursery children
10 Nursery Rhymes to Sing With Babies by Rainy Day Mum
What you need for this communication and language activity:

Music Player or Some Instruments

These ten all-time classics are great for singing and adding a little music to your day.

‍Why it works:

Nursery rhymes tend to be simple and repetitive, so easy for little ones to pick up, remember, and repeat, while practising pronunciation and intonation. You can also learn more about adding music to your curriculum here.

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10. Plain and simple story time
World Book Day: 11 Books from Around the World by Famly
What you need for this communication and language activity:

Toss The Very Hungry Caterpillar aside for a moment and check out this list of classics from all around the globe.

‍Why it works:

‍We have entire articles on how to make the most of story time, as it's such a key feature of good quality early years provision. For more inspiration, why not check some of them out :

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EYFS Focus: 10 Communication and Language Activities | Famly

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Get some inspiration and check out 10 simple EYFS activities to help the children at your nursery develop their communication and language skills.

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Children are starting to return to schools and nurseries.  Here is a story about coming back to school to support children during Covid 19 pandemic

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Children are starting to return to schools and nurseries.  Here is a story about coming back to school to support children during Covid 19 pandemic

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Courtesy of www.elsa-support.co.uk

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Information and resources from National Autism Association 

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Information and resources from National Autism Association 

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Disruptions to routine an article with ideas and ways to cope...

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COVID-19 Resources for Families and Individuals
Tips for Caregivers and Individuals: How to Practice Social Distancing for Individuals & Families:

Cancel travel plans

Stay home when you are sick

Limit your movement within and outside your community

Reduce your number of visitors

Work from home if possible

Transition meetings and gatherings online

Try to visit grocery stores and other public establishments at less-crowded times

Local Resources for Families & Individuals: https://yellowpagesforkids.com

Information on Stimulus Payments/SSI: https://disabilityscoop.com/2020/04/16/stimulus-checks-now-automatic-for-people-on-ssi/28174/
Additional Articles: Other Issues to Consider:

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COVID-19 Resources for Families | National Autism Association

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COVID-19 Resources for Families and Individuals Tips for Caregivers and Individuals: How to Practice Social Distancing for Individuals & Families: Cancel travel plans Stay home when you are sick Limit your movement within and outside your community Reduce your number of visitors Work from home if possible Transition meetings and gatherings online Try to visit grocery stores and other public establishments at less-crowded times Local Resources for Families & Individuals: https://yellowpagesforkids.com Information on Stimulus Payments/SSI: https://disabilityscoop.com/2020/04/16/stimulus-checks-now-automatic-for-people-on-ssi/28174/ Additional Articles: Other Issues to Consider:

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Wild Days has been created to help you stay positive, by encouraging your kids to go wild while your outdoor options are limited

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Wild Days has been created to help you stay positive, by encouraging your kids to go wild while your outdoor options are limited

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Every day we’ll be publishing a set of structured activities and video content to guide you through around an hour of outdoor learning that you can do in your own green space (in line with government guidance!).

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We'd love to know how you're getting on - please let us know on our social media channels or by email!

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Some ideas for practitioners in settings to support well being and mental health

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We realise it can be difficult to know what to say to children about the global crisis (see earlier blog ' Coronavirus: helpful information to answer questions from children ').

Some children may be especially vulnerable at this time of uncertainty. This may include (but is not limited to) children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), children who are 'Looked After' and children who are deemed to be Children in Need. These children may need extra support to ensure that they maintain good levels of wellbeing.

Julia Clements and Paula Nagel, Place2Be's Principal Educational Psychologists, suggest some ways to support children who may be especially vulnerable at this time.

Communication

In line with the child's age, level of understanding and language development, explain in clear, simple terms, what coronavirus is. Let them know that adults are working hard to keep everyone safe and why there is a need for changes to their normal routine. The following resources may be helpful:

Focus on what will stay the same

For children who find change particularly stressful, reassure them about what will stay the same in their lives, despite all the changes. Many children will find it reassuring to be reminded that there is some consistency, for example, in where they live, who looks after them, the fact that school work and home work still needs to be done, the fact that they can still watch their favourite TV programmes etc.

Extra support

Some children may need particular support to help manage their anxiety or low mood. They may be particularly triggered by events such as seeing supermarket shelves emptying quickly - especially if they have experienced neglect or if particular foods become scarce or unavailable. Remember that a change in behaviour, such as restlessness, being more disruptive than usual or becoming quieter, may be underpinned by stress and anxiety.

The following resources may be helpful:

News & blogs

Prioritising children's mental health as they return to school

Former teacher and current Research Assistant at the University of Cambridge, Lauren Cross, writes a guest blog for Place2Be.

READ MORE

Lessons from New Zealand on returning to school in the 'new normal'

Dr Fiona Pienaar, Senior Clinical Advisor at Shout, shares her experiences of returning to school after lockdown.

READ MORE

"The value of the phone calls is more than I ever expected"

Emma Bell, Area Manager for Cardiff, reflects on the experience of supporting parents, children and families during lockdown.

READ MORE

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Coronavirus: supporting children who may be especially vulnerable

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We realise it can be difficult to know what to say to children about the global crisis (see earlier blog ' Coronavirus: helpful information to answer questions from children '). Some children may be especially vulnerable at this time of uncertainty.

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Ideas for activities in the garden or local park

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Ideas for activities in the garden or local park

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Get out, get active and improve mental health and well being

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Your garden can be an amazing place to discover wildlife and experience nature. There's so much for you to do on your doorstep: look for shooting stars, make a wild crown, get to know colourful birds or watch furry caterpillars. You can even help the animals who come to visit by building them a new home. Here are our top '50 things to do before you're 11¾' ideas for embracing nature in your own back garden.

No. 3 Camp outdoors

Your back garden can become a place for a wild adventure when you pitch a tent and stay overnight. Camping in your back garden means that you can sleep under the stars and try and spot a constellation, or listen out for hooting owls. Sleep under the stars

No. 16 Wear a wild crown

Your imagination's the limit when you make a wild crown. Twigs, daisy chains, leaves, flowers, blossom, grass and other wild materials found in your garden can be used to create a masterpiece. You could even create one that an imaginary character would wear. Create a wild crown

No. 25 Join nature's band

A couple of stones and a tree stump can double up as drum. A blade of grass makes an amazing noise when you know what to do with it. Birds singing make a beautiful dawn chorus, and even footsteps can make great percussion noises when you dance around. Make music with nature

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'.

Article

We've compiled a selection of items from the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Article

Try out the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities children can enjoy by the sea, from paddling or swimming, to catching crabs and skimming stones.

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'50 things' activities to do in the garden

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Your garden can be an amazing place to discover wildlife and experience nature. There's so much for you to do on your doorstep: look for shooting stars, make a wild crown, get to know colourful birds or watch furry caterpillars. You can even help the animals who come to visit by building them a new home.

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Range of games to play to develop numeracy, literacy and ICT skills

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Shape Patterns

Shape Patterns is a shapes sequencing game. Complete the pattern of different coloured 2D shapes. There are three levels of difficulty.

Teddy Numbers

The Teddy Numbers game can help you to learn numbers to 15. Learn the digits and words for the numbers and it game can help you learn to count too.

Underwater Counting

Can you find the treasure? You need to count the underwater creatures. This game has two levels: Count to 5 and Count to 10.

Ladybird Spots

Three different counting, matching and ordering maths games based on the numbers 1 to 10 for early years children.

Decorate the Christmas Tree

Decorate the Christmas Tree with colourful Christmas baubles and delightful Christmas characters in our festive game which is just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Shape Monsters

The Shape Monsters game is an introduction to 2D shapes for young children. Children need to feed the monsters with the correct shapes. The monsters then say the name the shape they've eaten.

Phase 2 Phonics

The 16 Learner Guides support children learning Phase 2 of the Letters and Sounds phonics programme. The fun videos help children to see letter sounds in words. It supports correct letter formation too.

Gingerbread Man Game

Counting and sequencing games where you can learn your numbers to 10. Works well on an interactive whiteboard.

CBeebies Stories

Animated stories and nursery rhymes from the BBC including traditional tales such as The Ugly Duckling.

Balloon Phonics

Balloon Phonics is a game which focuses on three letter words (cvc). There are three game modes: Initial sounds, Middle sounds and End sounds. Appropriate for Phase 2 Letters and Sounds.

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Searchable site of thousands of quality teaching resources, interactive resources, homework, exam and revision help. Useful for teachers, pupils and parents.

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A free resource great for children especially in Reception to support phonics and reading

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A free resource great for children especially in Reception to support phonics and reading

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The game has been funded by the Usborne Foundation, a charity set up to support initiatives to develop early literacy.

Our mission is to help as many children learn to read as possible. The computer version is 100% free and we put profits from the app back into the Usborne Foundation, to continue to create new and exciting ways for children to learn.

The charity was founded by Peter Usborne MBE and his children, Nicola and Martin, one of the world's leading children's book publishing companies and Children's Publisher of the Year 2012. He was previously one of the founders of the magazine Private Eye.

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The game has been funded by the Usborne Foundation, a charity set up to support initiatives to develop early literacy. Our mission is to help as many children learn to read as possible. The computer version is 100% free and we put profits from the app back into the Usborne Foundation, to continue to create new and exciting ways for children to learn.

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A social story to support children in understanding Covid 19

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A social story to support children in understanding Covid 19

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A resource from Talk To Me Technology

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Cbeebies games and ideas to develop our early mathematic skills

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Cbeebies games and ideas to develop our early mathematic skills

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Join in with Little Learners and explore all of these fun and free maths games, activities and clips.

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8 outdoor ideas to promote children's physical development 

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8 outdoor ideas to promote children's physical development 

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Great ideas that will also enhance curiosity and understanding of the world around us!

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Venture outdoors with your child to see what you can spot in your local area.

Look for signs of life: birds in the trees, new flowers at the park and so on. Encourage your child to use all their senses, and talk about what you're seeing, hearing or smelling together.

Bring a bag to collect 'very important' twigs, leaves, feathers and so on, or even a camera to take close-ups of what you see.

If you're feeling especially imaginative, you could even pretend to be Peter Rabbit, Lily and Benjamin exploring the woods - but watch out for Mr MacGregor!

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Mr Bloom: Here and There - Eight outdoor adventures to do with kids

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Whether you're full of the joys of summer or slightly overwhelmed by the logistics of exploring the outdoors with a toddler in tow, our guide to nature activities is packed with ideas, inspiration and practical tips from around the web for easy things to do with your little ones this summer!

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A resource pack from The Communication Trust

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A resource pack from The Communication Trust

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Games and ideas for parents or practitioners to support listening and communication skills

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Use the link on PACEY to find another story written by a mum to support her children during the pandemic

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We know that children may be worried about Coronavirus and what will happen to them or their loved ones during this uncertain time. We have put together some resources to support children in your setting and introduce ways you can talk about Coronavirus without promoting worry.

NHS support

Washing your hands is the most effective way of keeping germs away. The NHS has useful information on how to wash your hands including a video that children could watch.

You should wash your hands for around 20 seconds. There are various ways to help small children understand how long they should wash their hands for, for example, by singing "If you're happy and you know it" or "Happy Birthday" through twice.

Source: World Health Organisation

The NHS Library and Knowledge Services also have a list of resources you can take advantage of. Their resources include book recommendations, poems, resources for parents and more.

Don't Worry, Little Bear!

This lovely story on the Early Years Story Book website, is to help explain Coronavirus to children and to assure them that everything will be okay.

The author and illustrator, Stacey Kelly, writes, "As a parent myself, I have noticed that my little ones are feeling really confused by it all! I've created this book (and activities) to help not only my children, but every other child out there to be able to understand what is going on and to process their thoughts and feelings about it all."

My name is Coronavirus

This booklet from @mindheart.kids, Manuela Molina, offers a lovely, child friendly explanation of coronavirus and comes in various languages if you have children in your settings with second languages.

Coronavirus explained (for children!)

There are some useful videos explaining coronavirus and talking about why handwashing is so important. We have shared some below.

Pips guide to Covid-19: A better start Southend

Taking inspiration from Manuela Molina's 'My name is Coronavirus', A Better Start Southend created their own version called Pip's guide to COVID-19 which offers another way of talking to children about Coronavirus and the current situation the world is facing.

Coronavirus: a book for children

This free e-book has been created by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson & Nia Roberts with consultant Professor Graham Medley Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

It is a great book for older readers or for reading to children who may have questions about coronavirus.
Download it here.
E-bug resources

If you're in a setting, take a look at e-bug resources. E-bug can help your setting stop germs spreading by using their range of fun lesson plans on hand washing and respiratory hygiene.

Supporting the understanding of social distancing

This lovely video called 'While we can't hug' is about Hedgehog and Tortoise who want to give each other a great big hug, but they're not allowed to touch.

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We know that children may be worried about Coronavirus and what will happen to them or their loved ones during this uncertain time. We have put together some resources to support children in your setting and introduce ways you can talk about Coronavirus without promoting worry.

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Woodland trust ideas to inspire natural activities to do at home

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Woodland trust ideas to inspire natural activities to do at home

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A free activity pack to download courtesy of TTS

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A free activity pack to download courtesy of TTS

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Lots of ideas and activities to do at home

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Discover games, puzzles and quizzes with CBeebies friends!

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Clips presented by Dr Radha Moghil to support children understanding feelings and emotions

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A collection of short films presented by Dr Radha Moghil that explore a whole range of feelings and emotions, as well as providing talking points and tools to feel better. These clips are suitable for use with children at Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is also suitable for teaching PSHE at KS1 and Health and Wellbeing at Early and 1st Level.

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A collection of short films presented by Dr Radha Moghil that explore a whole range of feelings and emotions, as well as providing talking points and tools to feel better.

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How do we support the youngest children during bereavement?

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Supporting children under five after the death of a parent.
This specialist book is designed for parents, carers, childcare professionals and other adults supporting children under five who have experienced the death of a parent or carer.

It offers information and ideas as well as activities to help young children following a bereavement and covers a range of issues that may affect a child when their parent dies.

Price includes P&P costs.

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Never Too Young To Grieve - Supporting bereaved children under 5

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This specialist book is designed for parents, carers, and professionals supporting children under five who have experienced the death of a parent or carer. Includes information, ideas and activities to help young children following a bereavement. Written by childhood bereavement charity Winston's Wish.

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Free resources from mindstretchers to support natural outdoor play

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Free resources from mindstretchers to support natural outdoor play

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Getting outside and learning with the children in your setting is key to improving their development in all areas. We wanted to give you a bit of inspiration on what activities you could do in your settings, or trips you could take, with supportive information along the way.

So, why is outdoor play so important?

There are so many benefits of outdoor play. Key benefits include children having freedom and space outside to express themselves and more opportunity for energetic play enhancing health and fitness.

When outside, all of a child's senses are stimulated and there is direct contact with the weather, seasons and natural world. This enables them to learn about risk in a managed environment and how to cope with these risks.

This all contributes to creating a healthy mind, body confidence and a high self-esteem within a child.

Read about further benefits in our outdoor play practice guide.

Start building and moving!

We have loads of creative ideas that you can use in your settings. Thanks to all who contributed these activities in the hope of inspiring others!

Lynn Atkinson - "We had some great sunshine so had a pool party. Paddling pool, jelly bath and shaving foam"

Lynn created a whole range of activities from a jelly bath so children can explore textures to a wigwam for the children to use their imagination in. To extend the learning of a child in a jelly bath, introduce shapes such as balls or sensory blocks.

Sarah Sweeney - "We've had a sports day! Egg & spoon, sack race, running, hopping and space hoppers"

Kimberly Forteath - "Making obstacle courses in the garden"

Looking for activities to improve physical development? Both Sarah and Kimberly built obstacle courses in the garden. This is a great way to tackle key areas of the EYFS. Balancing on the planks of wood, holding the egg on a spoon are both ways of improving fine and gross motor skill.

Creating a 'sports day' out of the course then incorporates personal, social, and emotional development as well as communication and language as the children take turns and have to listen to instructions.

Sylvia Butcher - "Using 'spare parts', this is the 'racing car' one child built without any help or guidance"

Letting children experiment with 'loose parts play' can lead to some amazing creations, small or large, as with Sylvia's children who made a racing car outside in the garden.

Be messy!

As you're outside, don't be afraid to let the children get messy!

Why not take simple activities that we might see as every day, on a small scale and grow them further outside. Jennifer McInaily took inspiration from a child's interest in a television show (above left) and "had some messy outdoor play painting a box to become Chase's car from Paw Patrol".

Angela Burns (above right) developed extended learning for her children "waddling like ducks after reading Dr. Seuss" and creating an outdoor, physical activity as the children make duck footprints on a large sheet of paper.
Manuela Summers - "It was great and we all loved it so much! Assault course, muddy puddles, walking through a pond, climbing over hay bales, swinging on ropes across the water. Fun and laughter by all"

Finally, get out into the local community and see what events are running nearby to your setting. You might find something like Manuela did with her mindees and friends as they got very messy at the Bear Trail near Exeter. This is a great activity mainly for key aspects of the EYFS including understanding the whole, physical activity and personal, social and emotional development.

Explore textures

As part of your five senses, touch is a key sense for early years, especially babies who learn with their touch before they can speak. This is why, exploring textures that are soft, hard, rough or smooth, for example, can significantly improve a child's development, with new and exciting surfaces.

Claire Hosken - left - "Exploring water beads with diggers"
Joanne Chorlton - right - "We got the chalks out and played hopscotch and noughts and crosses!"

Claire (above left) used a black tray, some water beads and allowed the children to explore the material using diggers. Not only does this encourage physical development, but also further understanding of weight, texture and colour. You could develop this activity even further, by seeing if the children can pick up the beads using the digger and then count how many they got in their scoops.

Incorporate mark making into your outdoor activities using washable chalk on the floor. You can play all sorts of games as Joanne (above right) did using chalk for "hopscotch and noughts and crosses!".

Get involved with the local produce as Charlotte (above left) did while "blackberry picking at the park". The children will then learn about where blackberries come from, how they grow, why they need water and sunlight to survive, as well as how they are then turned into a "yummy blackberry crumble" for dinner!

Sue (above right) took her children out for a trip to the beach, letting the children dig and build sandcastles in the sunshine.

Wherever you are, there are opportunities for extended learning with outdoor activities, whether this is out in your garden, at the local park or a community event, there is something to suit all childcare practitioners and their children.

Nicola Parrett - "We went into a sunflower maze it was amazing"

Additional support:

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Getting outside and learning with the children in your setting is key to improving their development in all areas. We wanted to give you a bit of inspiration on what activities you could do in your settings, or trips you could take, with supportive information along the way.

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Some ideas for outdoor learning activities 

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Some ideas for outdoor learning activities 

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Naturally learning

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Some at home ideas to develop fine motor skills

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Some at home ideas to develop fine motor skills

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Materials shared for children by Alderhey Hospital

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Materials shared for children by Alderhey Hospital

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A poster about home learning for young children courtesy of Chichester University

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Check out the Local Offer Website for more support

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Check out the Local Offer Website for more support

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Liverpool's local offer provides information for children and young people up to the age of 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) their parents or carers - all in one place.

Knowing what is out there gives you more choice and control over what support is right for you or your child.

On the local offer website you can:

Search for services from a range of local agencies including education, health and social care.

Find out more about SEND reforms and keep up to date with the scope of the local offer as it develops and grows.

View a range of SEND documents and reports.

Visit Liverpool's local offer website
Latest reports

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Liverpool's local offer provides information for children and young people up to the age of 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) their parents or carers - all in one place. Knowing what is out there gives you more choice and control over what support is right for you or your child.

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Ways to support transitions

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SPONSORED FEATURE Elizabeth Thomas explores how parents and carers can work with practitioners and teachers to ensure children enjoy a successful transition from nursery to school.

The transition from an early years setting to a school setting is a much-researched area of early years practice. One aspect of this transition, however, appears to be undervalued - how parent partnerships can support positive transitions for children. Transitions do not always have to be a challenge; they can be fun, exciting and provide a pleasurable experience if supported appropriately.

Quite often it seems that the transition of starting school is more problematic for parents than it is for the children, which can lead to a transference of parental anxiety on to the child. Part of the role of an early years practitioner is to ensure that parents understand the importance of projecting a positive perspective and enabling the child to enjoy the process of change despite the implications of moving to a different environment.

So how do early years practitioners involve parents in this area of practice and enable them to understand that this transition can be positive? Here are some key points to reflect upon when planning for the summer term with the inevitable moving on of a cohort of children.

DIFFERENTIATION

Recognise that as well as all children being unique, so are their parents and their new teachers. There can be no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to this transition and it is important to consider the individual needs that children and their parents might have. Some families may need more reassurance; some may have several older children who have successfully negotiated this transition in the past and they have no concerns at all. This is why respect and communication are such vital factors in enabling a smoother transitio
This article has been produced by Nursery World with sponsorship from Tribal. It was written and produced by Nursery World to a brief agreed in advance with Tribal.
Tribal's Quality Mark Early Years programme takes account of recent studies in early childhood education and a global understanding of best practice for our youngest children. The award recognises improving standards in the provision of communication and language, and mathematics. It provides evidence of high-quality education and care, and can support inspection preparation.
To share further good practice about improving provision in early years settings, Tribal is hosting a webinar, 'The Strategic SENCo at the Heart of School Improvement'. Find out more and register your place Further reading:

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Supporting transitions: Effective partnership working between families, carers and practitioners

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SPONSORED FEATURE Elizabeth Thomas explores how parents and carers can work with practitioners and teachers to ensure children enjoy a successful transition from nursery to school. The transition from an early years setting to a school setting is a much-researched area of early years practice.

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Advice for supporting children when starting nursery

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Advice for supporting children when starting nursery

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For many children a return to nursery will be similar to starting all over again. How can we best support their return when it happens?

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Transition: The Journey

Children's lives today are so much more hectic than ever before. Going to a setting for the first time, moving to another one, starting school or moving into a new class are seen by many people as a normal part of the lives of children. Yet transitions are milestone events for children and have a definite effect on their development. They are times of exciting change certainly and times of new opportunities and growth for every child. They can also be times of uncertainty where surroundings are not the same, expectations and procedures different and faces as yet unfamiliar. Getting transition right is vital for every child and is not a single event that merely 'happens'. Transition should be viewed as a process rather than an event that involves children, practitioners and parents together. Transition has been described as an ongoing journey rather than a destination.

Transition to Nursery
Finding the Right Daycare for Your Child
Transition to Pre-school
Preparing Your Child for Pre-School
Transition into Reception classes

Transition is always about change; particularly adjusting to change - and successful change is about then forgetting that the change happened. When young children move from a pre-school environment such as from home or a childminder or a daycare setting into a school environment they will experience huge change in their lives. This change is often accepted by adults with little idea of what the change will mean for the child. This is simply because adults often take things for granted - so a parent or teacher might unwittingly fail to recognise what is involved for the child. If transition is to be successful, from pre-school to school, preparation should begin early so that there is good communication between the two organisations. This needs to be considered carefully by leaders who will decide how best to support the transition process.

Transition into Key Stage 1

Through the EYFS children are entitled to a curriculum that is based on what interests them and what they already know, can do and understand. Year 1 teachers build on these starting points and continue to nurture children's natural desire for learning. As they continue their journey into Year 1 consideration should be given to what children experience as similar in Reception and Year 1 classes and how this can be developed further. This should include consideration of physical resources such as sand, water and construction and opportunities for learning through first hand-experiences. There should be opportunities for children to initiate activities themselves and to follow up their own interests independently. Headteachers and senior managers influence smooth transitions from the EYFS to Key Stage 1 through school organisation, staffing, resourcing and the transfer of information about children's learning. Parents should be encouraged to continue to be involved as partners in their children's learning.

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Transition: The Journey Children's lives today are so much more hectic than ever before. Going to a setting for the first time, moving to another one, starting school or moving into a new class are seen by many people as a normal part of the lives of children.

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Useful information about preparing our little people for school.

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Useful information about preparing our little people for school.

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Being school-ready - a guide for childcare professionals and parents to help children in this transition.

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A link to the SIL EYFS transition form for children who are moving on to Reception.

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A link to the SIL EYFS transition form for children who are moving on to Reception.

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School Improvement Liverpool Toxteth Annexe Conference Centre Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 7BN 0151 233 3901

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A link to SIL documents to support transition into the next stage of their education journey

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A link to SIL documents to support transition into the next stage of their education journey

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School Improvement Liverpool Toxteth Annexe Conference Centre Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 7BN 0151 233 3901

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* If your child is dressed in simple clothing with elasticated waistband trousers, they are easier to get on and off when they go to the toilet.

* Summer can be a great time for toilet training as your child will likely be wearing fewer clothes and they will be easier to wash.

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If your child is dressed in simple clothing with elasticated waistband trousers, they are easier to get on and off when they go to the toilet. * Summer can be a great time for toilet training as your child will likely be wearing fewer clothes and they will be easier to wash.

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Children may find it hard to express what they are feeling and so may we! Some ideas to support you in understanding how we can help our little people.

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A few ideas and tips from SIL EYFS team for supporting maths through play

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A few ideas and tips from SIL EYFS team for supporting maths through play

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Use everyday materials to support maths at home or in nursery!

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Texture book - Make a texture book using different textures - like wall paper, sand paper, bubble wrap, washing scourers, foam wash cloth etc

Smell tour - Take a 'Smell tour' past places like the fishmongers, fish and chip shop, the body shop/Lush soap shop, pet shop, etc

Borrow equipment - If you need equipment during the holidays, ask your school/college or day centre if you can borrow equipment from them, rather than hiring it.

Disability friendly park equipment - Many public parks offer special integrated play equipment. There is a wheelchair-friendly roundabout, Called the Mobility Whirl, in over 200 British parks. To find out more, call: 01248 600372.

Foil play mat - Use a foil emergency blanket as play matt. Great for sensory stimulation.

Dance competition - Put on music and have a dance competition!

Dress yourself - Using either a large piece of card or lining paper, draw around each other to create life-size figures. Then cut up old clothes to dress your portraits up.

Toy libraries - Toy libraries provide toys and play opportunities for children with special needs and also information and support for parents, carers and their siblings. To find your nearest toy library, contact the National Association of Toy and Leisure Library's Helpline Services: tel: 020 7255 4616 or email: helpline@playmatters.co.uk

Ideas book - Roma Lear has written a range of books full of ideas of activities for people with special needs, look out for her on Amazon.

Sensory flour games - Mix cornflour and water together and it makes a great sensory play tool. Also put flour into a plastic bag and seal it with some food colouring. As it gets squished round it will change colour.

Substitute sand - Moonsand,for indoor play, made by Spin Master Ltd ™ is available at most toy stores, including the Early Learning Centre. It's a soft medium that trickles like normal sand, but moulds like dough. Lots of colours. Great fun!

Graffiti wall - Stick some blank paper on a wall and turn it into a 'graffiti wall'. You can also paint a wall with blackboard paint or put up a big white board for graffiti fun.

Home skittles - Use guttering to make a chute to play skittles.

Sensory tent - Kit out a play tent with everyday items, such as old CDs, tinsel, fairy lights - for a great sensory space.

Sensory indoor tray play- Use a plastic box, filled with different things, like dried beans, sand, shaving foam, even toothpaste, for sensory play.

Matching pairs game - Use a digital camera to photograph and make your own matching pair cards, eg: your dog, your home, family.

Concessions - Always ask about discounts for disabled people and their carers. Some major venues have generous discounts. Always ring the theatre and ask, or call in personally if possible, as concessions are not available online.

Aromatherapy - Put on some relaxing music and have a home-made aromatherapy session. Dilute aromatherapy oils in a special carrier massage oil. Different people like different pressure so experiment a bit according to personal sensory needs.

Favourite memories scrapbook - Use a camcorder or camera phone and make a scrapbook to record special moments when you are out and about, that you can look at together at the end of the day. Use a scrapbook to tell other people about favourite days out.

Smelly socks game - Use old socks or buy some from a charity shop. Scent some cotton wool balls with different smells like tea, coffee, lemon, apple or tomato ketchup etc. When the cotton balls are dry, put them in the socks, tie them up with a ribbon, and play a game of 'Guess the smell'.

This article was kindly provided by Netbuddy.

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Fun things to try with disabled children

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Texture book - Make a texture book using different textures - like wall paper, sand paper, bubble wrap, washing scourers, foam wash cloth etc Smell tour - Take a 'Smell tour' past places like the fishmongers, fish and chip shop, the body shop/Lush soap shop, pet shop, etc Borrow equipment - If you need equipment during the holidays, ask your school/college or day centre if you can borrow equipment from them, rather than hiring it.

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Welcome to our set of EYFS activities. We have designed these, in partnership with our Early Years Practitioner Partners, to support you in developing the initial building blocks for mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem solving with your children.

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Welcome to our set of EYFS activities. We have designed these, in partnership with our Early Years Practitioner Partners, to support you in developing the initial building blocks for mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem solving with your children.

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Lots of activities to use online to support early mathematics

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Lots of activities to use online to support early mathematics

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Topmarks maths

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Learning to Count with these fun Counting Games

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Children will love learning to count up to 10 with these free, fun counting games.

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Parenting through Covid-19

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By Chris Cavanagh, Denise Wright & Kaya Nash (Liverpool City Council, Early Help Team) with contributions from citywide partner organisations.
"If like me, the news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had you and your family wondering what it means for you all, I totally understand. It is a natural reaction because the way we managed our day-to-day lives and our family life has fundamentally changed. Before you know it normality will be resumed and we can look back and reflect, knowing that Liverpool has come together as a city to work collectively again to help each other.

Terms such as social distancing, self-isolation and social lockdowns have entered our vocabularies and have become part of our normal lives. Other more positive discussions are also emerging around terms such as community, resilience and support.

The long-term implications are not yet known, but as a parent and a professional who supports families, I believe that the support that is offered and information you are able to access can help you get through these times. While keeping children and ourselves healthy and safe is our main concern, it is also essential to address the anxieties of children and young people during these changing times. You will find some ideas to help inform, reassure and keep children and young people safe.

The offer of services to support families and young people in Liverpool continues, this is offered in a different way through telephone and video calls.

My children are all adults now but I think back to the days when we played computer games together, like FIFA on the Playstation. I must admit that as they got older I didn't stand much of a chance of winning, but it was a chance for me to spend time with them and have fun. My generation grew up with console games, maybe this is the time to bring that dusty controller out of retirement and have a game of Mario or FIFA. Just a reminder -FIFA 20 is the current game and it's much slicker than FIFA 98!

Liverpool has always pulled together as a city in times of adversity and it is no different now, our workers are being as innovative as ever to bring together resources to make the time you are spending as a parent as light and fun as possible.

The amazing work by our partner organisations and volunteers across the city highlights that together we will continue supporting people in this city and helping to improve lives.

Within this blog you will find information to support you and your family and we will be posting new information as we receive it."

Local Organisational Support

The Liverpool CAMHS Partnership is adapting as Coronavirus impacts our everyday lives. Our partners are working hard to ensure children, young people and families get the support they need during this time.

You can find out more at liverpoolcamhs.com/support-category/covid-19-support.

Top Tips

To help parents interact constructively with their children during this time of confinement, these six one-page tips for parents cover planning one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behaviour, managing stress, and talking about COVID-19. Use them to your and your kids' advantage, and have fun in doing so.
Tip 1- ONE ON ONE TIME Tip 2- KEEPING IT POSITIVE Tip 3- STRUCTURE UP Tip 4- MANAGING BEHAVIOUR Tip 5- KEEP CALM AND MANAGE STRESS Tip 6- TALKING ABOUT COVID 19
Parenting Guides

These guides are free interactive online parenting guides for parents and families in Liverpool.

The guides are based on real evidence about how babies develop in the womb, through infancy and throughout childhood and adolescence. Liverpool parents, carers and grandparents can learn about the stages their children go through and how to strengthen relationships with them in ways that will have a lasting positive impact on the whole family.

Within these guides, written by the Solihull Approach (NHS), you can find advice and information on:

The amazing and developing brains of babies and children

The importance of playing, singing, reading with your child

Parenting styles and tips

Overcoming challenges with things like behaviour and sleep

The huge value of good communication

If you live in Liverpool* then you are eligible to access these online guides for free. Visit inourplace.co.uk and enter the following access code: PURPLEBIN

Pregnant or New Mums

Home Learning

Parents who may need to work and juggle childcare will feel like they have to fill their children's gap for learning. While no-one expects them to replicate school, there is plenty of online help to stave off boredom.There are lots do arts and craft activities and lots of these help with language, vocabulary and mathematics. Here are some useful websites for home learning ideas:

Remember that while learning is important at this time of unprecedented uncertainty, so are family activities, such as having fun and getting out of the house (where appropriate)...

Make time to play...

Children can learn so much through play. You might not feel like playing much at the moment, but playing can be a great escape and can really help to take your mind off things.

You may want to plan a short play activity for each day, this can really make a difference to your child's mood and behaviour. Playing together can really help prevent problem behaviour which may stem from boredom whilst also maintaining and strengthening family relationships.

Making time to play together also creates even more ideas for playing and can create opportunities to talk about your child's interests or any other worries they might have. Finding a good time in the day to play is important, you might plan to play something after breakfast for younger children to get them in a contented mood for the day, or later in the evening for older children, or as a whole family.

There are lots of games to play outside too while you go on your daily walk, such as 'I Spy', or you could look for rainbows together that children are making and displaying in their windows (and you can even make your own rainbows).

You may want to encourage your children to use apps like Zoom or Skype so they can stay in touch with their friends and family.

Some ideas for playing together...

Play board games together, traditional games like Monopoly, Cluedo, Ludo or games like Connect 4, Checkers, Battleships, Guess Who, Snakes and Ladders and Jenga are fun for two players or more. You might want to invent your own games, lots of games only need paper and pencil, such as Pictionary, where you guess each other's words through drawing, or games such as treasure hunts, where you can make your own clues. Playing card games like Chace the Ace, Snap, or Patience can keep children entertained for a long time (and can really boost mathematical skills).

Start to collect materials for your own art and craft kit, you can collect cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, tin foil, food packaging, buttons, bits of fabric, yoghurt pots, old milk bottles. Add scissors, pencils, paint and glue to your kit (according to your child's age) and these will keep your child amused for hours. You might help young children to make their own book all about them, with their own drawings in, these could be based on one of their favourite topics like Outer Space, Super Hero's, Forests or Magical Kingdoms. Books can happen inside shoe boxes, on cardboard or on paper! Use audiobooks to listen to a story and then write a summary / draw the story. Find out more via the city's FREE Read Liverpool e-reading resource or .

See more about the importance of play and lots of ideas for activities at actionforchildren.org.uk/support-for-parents/things-to-do-with-your-child.

Or visit Creative Bug, which offers craft lessons, from knitting to jewellery-making, drawing and origami: creativebug.com

You may want to learn an instrument, there are plenty of free online sites that teach children to play an instrument. Go to bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/music.

Play Virtual chess: chess.com/play/computer

Baking together is also a great activity, home-made cakes and biscuits can be a lot tastier and healthier than the ones you buy in the shops and you can control how much sugar goes into them! Join Miranda Gore Brow for lots of ideas for children and adults to bake together: mirandagorebrowne.co.uk/bake-together. Or visit bbc.goodfood.com/recipes or bakingmad.com.

Six Ways to Maintain a Routine

In normal circumstances, it's hard to argue that there is something wonderful about those rare days at home, where you can get up late, stay in your pyjamas and sit around the house without any major commitments to worry about. In the current climate however, finding some sense of routine while at home could be more important than ever.
careforthefamily.org.uk/six-ways-to-maintain-routine-while-at-home
Managing Your Own Wellbeing

There is a wealth of online support available for families and we hope you have been able to access some of this for yourselves.

A whole host of celebrities have removed paywalls to their online classes. These include Joe Wicks, Carol Vorderman, Ben Fogle, Marlene Klauss and other You Tubers your kids will actually have heard of! You may find it useful to build an age and stage appropriate 'timetable' for yourselves and also for families you are working with.

Employment Opportunities

For those of you seeking for work, there are many new opportunities. Did you know that your local children's centre can offer the support you need to help you return to work, such as help with preparing a CV? Call your local centre to find out the many ways they can support you to find or return to work.

For current vacancies (from age sixteen+) please visit Liverpool in Work: liverpoolinwork.co.uk.

Lots of supermarkets have immediate vacancies for store assistants and shelf stackers:

Aldi: Drop CV in store.

B&M: Drop CV in store.

Hospital Cleaners are also wanted immediately, call Census Jobs on 0151 443 6858/6878 or visit censusjobs.co.uk.

Antrec Online Training is offering online packages for taxi and private hire drivers for those age 19+, in receipt of benefits or on low wage. Email [email protected] .

More opportunities can be found at bbc.co.uk/news/business-52040539.

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Parenting Through Covid-19 - Culture Liverpool

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Parenting Through Covid 19 - One city. One Effort. By Chris Cavanagh, Denise Wright & Kaya Nash (Liverpool City Council, Early Help Team) with contributions from citywide partner organisations. "If like me, the news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has ... Read more...

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Talking to children about COVID19

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Coronavirus, or Covid-19, is the word on everybody's lips at the moment.

Television news reports, newspaper headlines and of course conversations at work and at home are dominated by the latest developments in this fast moving global health emergency.

Consequently, it is inevitable that even very young children will pick up on the levels of anxiety around them about the virus, even if they do not fully understand the context of the current situation.

Therefore, it is important that early years practitioners respond to any concerns that children express in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner.

Communicating with parents

You can help to reduce the concerns that parents may have about how safe it is for their child to attend childcare by sharing relevant information with them and being ready to direct them to reliable sources for updates.

Make sure that you have up-to-date information and advice displayed from the NHS, Public Health England and .gov.uk. You can find all the relevant links on the Alliance's coronavirus blog.

Do not share or re-post links to unverified reports on social media.

Find out what children have been saying about coronavirus at home and how their parents are responding. It is vital that the message going out between your setting and a child's home are consistent.

Tell parents about the contingency plans that you may have in place and how you are following advice from your local authority, NHS and Public Health England.

Encourage good hand hygiene at home by sharing the NHS hand-washing guides. Remember - good hygiene is the most effective safety precaution parents and children can take.

Tell parents how you have responded to specific questions their child may have asked you, or about any specific discussions you have had with groups of children.

Answering children's questions

Discuss as a team how you are going to respond to questions and concerns that come directly from the children.

Remember that some of your colleagues are likely to have their own questions, too.

Make sure that everyone in the team is informed enough to be consistent and accurate in their responses to children and their parents.

Don't force the issue. A circle-time activity focused on coronavirus is going to have little relevance to the majority of children in your care. Don't overload children with information, keep it relevant, age appropriate and simple.

Set the information you give within a context that the children will understand. For example: "It's a bit like having a cold, but for some people it can make them feel really poorly."

Always acknowledge the interest or question that a child may have expressed, just as you would with any other 'teachable moment'. A child's real interest is an opportunity for them to learn.

Never dismiss children's concern. What may seem trivial to you is likely to be a very real worry to a child who, for example, has heard that the virus is dangerous for older people and is frightened that something will happen to their grandma.

Do not talk over children's heads to colleagues about the latest coronavirus updates. We sometimes forget just how much young children are affected by the concerns that adults show around them.

Encourage good hygiene habits

One of the most effective things that any early years practitioner can do within their setting is to encourage and reinforce good hand hygiene with young children.

There are plenty of free resources in the form of posters that can be displayed in bathrooms, but here are some key points to consider:

Lead by example. Even if you have worn gloves when changing nappies, or during mealtimes, it is still necessary to wash your hands.

Encourage hand-washing before and after mealtimes, after using the toilet and after touching animals.

Use liquid soap, warm water and paper towels, wherever possible. Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available.

Encourage children to cover their mouths with disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing - and make sure they go straight in the bin afterwards.

Making hand washing fun

Children at Selston Childcare in Nottingham have been learning about the importance of washing their hands after sneezing or coughing and making sure they use tissues.

Staff have shared a fun song sing while they are washing their hands:
"This is the way we wash our hands, wash our hands, wash our hands. This is the way we wash our hands to kill coronavirus. "This is the way we rub the soap, rub the soap, rub the soap. This is the way we rub the soap to kill coronavirus."
The setting has also provided children with extra tissues around the room, next to bins with lids, and offered an antibacterial gel to parents as they sign in.

For more detailed information on the coronavirus, tailored for early years settings, visit our coronavirus blog

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How to talk to children about coronavirus

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Coronavirus, or Covid-19, is the word on everybody's lips at the moment. Television news reports, newspaper headlines and of course conversations at work and at home are dominated by the latest developments in this fast moving global health emergency.

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Go for a walk, enjoy some fresh air and support your family's mental health.

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Go for a walk, enjoy some fresh air and support your family's mental health.

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Remember to follow all government guidance and keep to social distance. Click on the link to find local parks!

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Parks, gardens and ranger services in Liverpool.

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Available on you tube this yoga links to range of children's favourite stories and films!

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Ideas for everyday physical activities with our babies

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As one of the three prime areas in the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Physical Development of the children in your care requires your constant attention. The Department of Health recommends aiming for at least 3 hours of physical activity across the day for children in the early years, and every movement counts!

But you don't need to spend time planning every extraordinary game as long as you can make the most out of everyday opportunities. Here are some ideas on how to do just that.

Learn more about Famly

Find out below how Famly transformed Coconut Nursery, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.

Zuzanna Stańczewska / About Author

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EYFS Focus: 6 Physical Development Activities

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As one of the three prime areas in the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Physical Development of the children in your care requires your constant attention. The Department of Health recommends aiming for at least 3 hours of physical activity across the day for children in the early years, and every movement counts!

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A wealth of online nursery rhymes to sing and act out with our children

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Animations of some of the best-known traditional nursery rhymes, many sung by BBC Children's TV presenters, with music that your children will love! They're an ideal resource to support a range of Early Years objectives, whether used in a nursery, reception class, or at home.

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Animations of some of the best-known traditional nursery rhymes, many sung by Cbeebies TV presenters, with music that your children will love! They're an ideal resource to support a range of Early Years objectives, whether used in a nursery, reception class, or at home.

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A range of ideas and activities to support language development with our little ones.

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Chat, play, read!

Here are some tips and activities to help your child develop their speech skills:

use things your child is interested in for play, follow their lead and make sure you're physically at their level while playing

if you notice your child looking or pointing at something, talk to them about it before they lose interest in it

picture books introduce your child to new things they haven't seen yet in real life - ask them to tell you the story, or talk about what the characters might be thinking and feeling

make reading, singing and playing even more fun by using lots of actions and different voices

take turns to make noises or speak - your child will be able to hold longer conversations, so slow down your speech, give them plenty of time to respond and listen carefully to what they have to say

talk to your child in short, simple sentences, as it's easier for them to understand you and have a go at copying when they are ready

try to use the same book or sing the same song, as young children learn a lot from repetition

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Find out how you can help your child with their speech & language development. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or health visitor.

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Free book courtesy of Nosy Crow

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A book for children about coronavirus that aims to give information without fear.

With everything that is going on at the moment; big changes to children's routines and lots of stories on the news it can be a really scary time for children.

This book aims to open up the conversation about coronavirus and some of the things they might be hearing about it and provide truthful information in a reassuring and child friendly manner.

Feel free to download from the above link. I am more than happy for the book to be read, printed out and shared as wanted.

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Dave the Dog is worried about coronavirus

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dave-the-dog-coronavirus-1-1Download A book for children about coronavirus that aims to give information without fear. With everything that is going on at the moment; big changes to children's routines and lots of stories on the news it can be a really scary time for children. This book aims to open up the conversation about coronavirus and...