The Coronavirus pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us and has taken its toll on everyone in different ways. We hope that the resources below might be useful to you.

If you require any additional support, you can contact the Trust via email at communitysupport@ncea.org.uk and we will do all we can to support you. For all safeguarding related enquiries, please contact safeguarding@ncea.org.uk or visit our Safeguarding Support hub for more information.

Mental Health Support

• Free download – Top 10 tips for mindful living.
• Free download – Wellbeing tips for social isolation.
• NHS ‘Every Mind Matters’ – Support for looking after your mental health through the pandemic.
• Kooth – An anonymous online outlet which helps young people to feel safe and confident in exploring their concerns and seeking professional support.
• YoungMinds – Tips and advice for young people on managing your mental health and staying mentally healthy during the pandemic.
• Mind – Support for children and young people aged 11-18.
• Place2Be – Support for parents and carers on how to support children’s mental health.
• Make it Count – A guide to promoting good mental health in the classroom for teachers.
• Gov.uk – Government guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Keeping Children Safe

• Government guidance for parents and carers on keeping children safe from abuse and harm.
• NSPCC– Covid-19 Support.
• ThinkUKnow #OnlineSafetyAtHome resource pack for parents and carers.
• Barnardos – Rapid support for children and young people affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Other Links

• NHS Guidance – Recognising symptoms of Covid-19 in children and young people
• Free download – 10 ways to stay active at home during lockdown.

Government Updates

• Education Secretary’s statement to Parliament – includes details on free school meals, free laptops and more.
• Guidance for schools, Academy Trusts and local authorities on DfE’s technology scheme – includes details on mobile data extensions and 4G wifi routers.
• More laptops and tablets to be made available for schools, Academy Trusts and local authorities through DfE’s technology scheme – details on how devices are being allocated and who is eligible to apply.
• Face coverings in education – guidance on the use of masks and face coverings in schools.
• Information for parents and carers about going back to settings – what parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges.
• Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings – list of critical workers (key workers) and vulnerable children and young people who can access full-time education provision.
• National free school meals voucher scheme opens to orders – schools can apply from 19/01/21 for vouchers to support disadvantaged families during lockdown.
• Supporting your children’s remote education during coronavirus – Information and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home.
• New education recovery package for children and young people announced – Information about new £700 million plan to support catch-up learning.
• What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges – Information about children returning to settings in Spring 2021.