Education Supplement 2020

NEWBURY NEWS EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

Thursday, September 3, 2020 35

Newbury Weekly News

How to ease the return to school post lockdown

Angela Jordan Newbury Tuition What a year! Are you worried about the effect on your child’s confidence and progress? I can help your child to thrive again.Whatever schools decide, I’ll be continuing with the private tuition that I’ve provided full- time for over a decade, face-to-face (with screen and visor) or via Skype. I’m a fully qualified, very experienced, highly effective teacher (BA (Durham), PGCE; 20 years primary and secondary school teaching; OFSTED “outstanding”). I can fill in the gaps; boost confidence; improve grades. I’m currently tutoring very happy children aged 8 to 16. I provide English tuition for Keystage 2 and 3; GCSE English; all subjects for 11+; and spelling and reading. I can help with the transition fromYear 6 to 7 or Year 9 to 10. Before 2020, all of my GCSE English Language and Literature (AQA,WJEC, OCR, Edexcel) tutees exceeded their predicted grades. Tutees (aged 8 and over) increase their spelling and reading age by up to 4 years after 33 specialised lessons. I teach in a dedicated room in my house in Newbury or via Skype. I’m told I’m friendly, sympathetic, effective and fun! Do contact me – I’m sure I can help.

IT is common for parents and children to experience a mixture of emotions as the new school year begins. This year it is likely that we may experience ‘new worries’. During the pandemic children will have experienced lots of changes, some of which will have been difficult – such as not being able to go where they’d like to, not spending time with important friends and relatives or not being in their familiar routine. Other changes will have been positive and life affirming, as many families had time to reconnect and create lifelong memories. No one can measure the full impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing, however, there are many ways to reduce heightened levels of anxiety and encourage a feeling of confidence, security and positivity. Be a role model – acknowledge and talk about your own feelings, normalising the fact that all feelings come and go. Be mindful – don’t share anxieties with your child about returning to school, thereby heightening or providing a catalyst for them, rather talk to family members or friends about any worries, they may well be feeling the same as you. Be positive – talk to your child about going back to school in a happy and positive way. If your

This will engender confidence in your child. Be aware – there may be unexpected situations on your child’s return to school – a friend in a different class bubble or a new member of staff. If your child experiences a difficult emotion in relation to unwanted or unexpected events, attune without judgement: ‘I can see you’re feeling worried.’ When your child is fully calm, be creative together – consider helpful beliefs, behaviours and possible next steps. Be together – if you notice after an appropriate settling in period your child is displaying signs of anxiety or worry, such as changed sleeping patterns or irritability, talk to your child’s class teacher. Any difficulties are more likely to be overcome through teachers and parents working together. Change provides a wonderful opportunity to develop resilience. Many children will soon experience the purposeful benefits of a sense of routine, security and belonging, developing their confidence, independence and interests outside the family setting. This article is taken from Out&About magazine, available to pick up free from today (Thursday) from local village stores and shops and outlets in and around Newbury.

“Come on leaps and bounds in

confidence and understanding. GCSE went up by 4 grades – easily best decision we ever made.“ (BA) “A complete turnaround for a child who would struggle to write more than a sentence.” (KM) “Excellent tutoring and great support – truly appreciated.” (NW)

Amanda Bailey

child has not returned to the setting, reassure them how much they will have been missed and how pleased the staff will be to have them back. Be attuned – sometimes children can experience ‘good stress’, becoming overexcited. Label the emotion: ‘I can see It may be necessary to channel the energy such as playing an energetic outdoor game. After you have ‘matched the energy’ provide your child with an opportunity to calm and relax. Be prepared – Familiarise yourself with any changes, such as a new drop off or pick up time, a one-way system, or what your child can take into school. you’re feeling excited, enthusiastic, positive.’

ajnewburytuition@gmail.com

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