¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥'s Policy Lead for Education has issued a reassuring message to parents, urging them not to put too much pressure on themselves while trying to home-school during lockdown.
Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “Lockdown is a difficult time for everyone, especially parents who are trying to home-school their children, many of whom are doing so while also trying to work from home – not an easy task. We fully understand that parents aren’t trained teachers and we don’t expect them to be.
"Our teaching staff are working tirelessly to continue to provide a wide range of educational resources for children and this has been very well received by parents. The last thing we want, however, is for parents to put unnecessary pressure on themselves. From our very youngest pupils to young adults in our secondary schools, every child is at a different stage on their educational journey and every child has different needs. Parents need to do what works best for their household.
“Like us all, children have had their whole routines turned upside down and are going through a lot of uncertainty at the moment. The mental health and wellbeing of both them and their parents is the most important thing. There will be good days and bad days but what’s important is that parents just do what they can and don’t compare themselves to others.
“There are lots of things parents can do to promote learning in the home, without making it appear like a typical ‘school day’. For example, baking, playing with lego, reading books, searching the internet to find facts, watching educational programmes on tv, playing games etc.
"I can’t stress enough though that the one thing that children will remember from this time is being at home with their family and having fun. Parent, please, please don’t feel guilty about what you are or aren’t doing. We’re all in this together and we’ll get through it together."
For anyone struggling with home-schooling or needing a chat, please call our Parent and Carer Support Line on 01546 605524.