Useful Information during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic
This page has links to information for parents during the Covid-19 pandemic, including government guidance, mental health help and information about education. Coronavirus has affected all our lives; everyone has needed information about all sorts of things (what we’re allowed to do, where to find help for mental health, how to keep children safe online, what to do when children are bored etc!). Our initial list of links for parents is in our post (first uploaded in late March 2020 but updated several times).
This page has a number of links to recent/updated information for the current situation. It was last reviewed and updated on 10th November 2021.
We initially sent out email updates on a weekly basis during the crisis; we will continue to include coronavirus information in our emails, but we hope to reduce the number of updates going out. Our regular email updates contain lots of links to information for a wide age range; if you’d like to receive our free updates, click here – all we need is an email address to send them to you. (A number of our previous updates can be viewed and downloaded from our website.)
Links to useful information on other websites.
You can find links to some useful websites below. These links will take you away from this site to information on a number of different websites.
We are not responsible for the content of any other sites. If you find that a link is broken or feel that the content of a website is inappropriate for inclusion, please contact us.
We have organised the links into several sections: general information, mental health, younger children, older children and young people, SEN and disabilities, and childcare and educational settings.
Useful Website Links
General Information
NHS Coronavirus (Covid-19) information
Get the latest NHS information and advice.
Public Health England face coverings information
Instructions on how to wear and make a cloth face covering from Public Health England
How to wear a fabric face covering safely - WHO
Short film from the World Health Organization about how to wear a fabric mask safely.
How to wear a coronavirus face covering safely
Short film from Worcestershire County Council; Worcestershire’s Public Health Consultant, Rachael Leslie demonstrates how to put on, take off and wash face coverings safely.
How to make your own face covering - NHS film
Instructions on how to wear and make a cloth face covering from Public Health England
How to wash your hands - NHS song (child-friendly film)
Child-friendly film by the NHS showing how to wash your hands properly.
Guidance for hospital visitors on face masks
From Monday 14th September 2020, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is asking outpatients and visitors to wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask when visiting hospitals.
How to wash your hands properly - NHS film (adults)
Short film showing how to wash your hands properly to protect yourself and others from coronavirus (adults).
Your Covid Recovery
NHS site to help you understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery after Coronavirus.
Government guidance for people previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
Government guidance for everyone who was identified as clinically extremely vulnerable from Covid-19.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. – Gov.uk guidance.
GOV.UK Coronavirus site
Gov.uk coronavirus guidance and support
Statement on phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s interim statement, published 26th February 2021.
UK Covid-19 vaccines delivery plan plan
How the UK government is planning to deploy the vaccines.
GOV.UK guidance for households with possible Coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021
Government plans for autumn and winter 2021 for England.
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 variants, HSA information
UK Health Security Agency latest information about variants detected in the UK.
Information about the new virus variant, PHE
Public Health England information about the new variant which transmits more easily 20th December 2020.
Coping practically and emotionally during the Covid-19 outbreak
Family Lives’ information and advice for families during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Parenting though Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Information and advice to support families from the Institute of Health Visitors (updated regularly).
Coronavirus (Covid-19) advice for parents and carers
Worcestershire County Council/Worcestershire Children First’s information and advice (for parents and carers updated regularly).
Coronavirus information - WCC
Worcestershire County Council’s coronavirus information and latest updates (updated regularly).
Covid advisors in Worcestershire
Worcestershire County Council’s information about COVID Advisors who help provide advice and guidance during the pandemic.
Coronavirus, bereavement and grief
Cruse Bereavement Care’s information about bereavement and grief during the pandemic.
Children's Guide to Coronavirus
Guide to coronavirus from the Children’s Commissioner for England; answers questions, explains how to stay safe and has suggestions for how to spend time. (27th March 2020)
Childhood in the time of Covid - report
Report by the Children’s Commissioner for England, September 2020
Government guidance on visiting arrangements in care homes
Government guidance for everyone who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable from Covid-19.
Coronavirus research and insight - Turn2us
Research and insight, reports and summaries to download from Turn2us. Includes Coronavirus Insight Reports and Weathering the Storm: How Covid-19 is eroding financial resilience.
HM Government Share Checklist
It’s not always easy to spot false information, so before you like, comment or share something online, use the SHARE checklist to make sure you’re not contributing to the spread of harmful content about coronavirus..
Useful Website Links
Mental Health
The Coronavirus helpful Hub - Blurt Foundation
Helpful resources for good mental health from the Blurt Foundation
Coronavirus and your wellbeing - MIND
MIND’s information to help you cope.
Coronavirus and your mental health - MIND
MIND’s information resources, information, tips and useful contacts.
ThinkNinja wellbeing app - NHS
Mental health app designed for 10 to 18 year olds; free to download during the Coronavirus crisis.
Ollee app - ParentZone
ParentZone’s mental health app – a virtual friend that encourages 8 – 11 year olds to share how they’re feeling with an adult and advice for parents.
Supporting your child during the coronavirus pandemic - Young Minds
Tips, advice and where to get support for your child’s mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
How to look after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak - MHF
Information and resources from the Mental Health Foundation.
Coping during coronavirus: through babies’ eyes - MHF
The Mental Health Foundation’s information for parents. In this time of international uncertainty, parents’ and babies’ mental health may be affected more than ever before.
Coping with coronavirus: a guide for young people - MHF
Guidance produced with the Mental Health Foundation Young Leaders.
Loneliness during coronavirus - MHF
Information about loneliness during coronavirus from the Mental Health Foundation.
Supporting your teen's wellbeing during coronavirus - MIND
MIND’s information and advice on how to talk to your teen about coronavirus, how to support their wellbeing, and where to get help.
Supporting your teen's mental health during the Covid-19 outbreak
Family Lives’ guide for parents
Coronavirus and mental health - Young Minds
Young Minds’ tips, advice and guidance on where you can get support for your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
COVID-19: Helping Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression
Short free course from FutureLearn, exploring practical ways to help young people manage their mood and maintain healthy habits during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you're worried about your mental health during lockdown - Samaritans
The Samaritan’s tips for looking after your mental health during the pandemic and useful contacts for anyone who is struggling.
Coping with anxiety about leaving the house - Young Minds
Tips on how to cope after staying home for many weeks.
Coping with anxiety in a post-lockdown world
Advice by Dr Fiona Pienaar for Parent Zone.
Parents' tips for supporting an anxious child in lockdown - Young Minds
Three parents share how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting their child’s mental health – and what they’ve been doing to support them.
Useful Website Links
Younger Children
Pregnancy and coronavirus
NHS information about pregnancy during coronavirus.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Information about pregnancy during coronavirus by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (updated regularly).
Information on Coronavirus for pregnant BAME women
Dr Christine Ekechi of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists gives information on coronavirus for pregnant women from a Black, Asian or other ethnic minority background.
We are here for you - Best Beginnings
Best Beginning’s online Group Support to new and expectant mums, dads and other non-birth parents until the end of March 2021.
Coronavirus and caring for your baby
Advice from the Lullaby Trust for anyone who is pregnant or has a young child.
Coping during coronavirus: through babies’ eyes - MHF
The Mental Health Foundation’s information for parents. In this time of international uncertainty, parents’ and babies’ mental health may be affected more than ever before.
Coronavirus and pregnancy, birth and beyond
Information from Best Beginnings. Includes a list of charities and helplines offering remote support to pregnant families and new parents.
Coronavirus, A Book For Children
Downloadable book explaining coronavirus to children, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
In this together audiobook
Children’s audiobook about Covid-19.
Coronavirus animation
Brainpop animation explaining coronavirus (American)
Covid-19 support - Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust
A collection of accessible information resources for families.
Useful Website Links
Older Children and Young People
Coping with coronavirus: a guide for young people - MHF
Guidance produced with the Mental Health Foundation Young Leaders.
The Rona Hub
Worcestershire County Council’s information hub for young people.
How to tackle lockdown emotions
BBC Bitesize secondary parents’ survival guide – with Dr Sheila Redfern
Coping with anxiety about leaving the house - Young Minds
Tips on how to cope after staying home for many weeks.
How to cope with lockdown as a young LGBTQIA+ person
Tim Sigsworth of the Albert Kennedy Trust tells The Mix about the biggest issues facing LGBTQIA+ young people at the moment.
Student guide to coronavirus
Information and guidance from the Office for Students.
A message from Simon Lebus, Chief Regulator, on exams in 2021
Simon Lebus, Interim Chief Regulator of Ofqual, responds to the Prime Minister’s announcement of 4th January.
Teacher assessed grades for students - GOV.UK
Government press release (25th February) about how grades will be awarded in summer 2021.
Awarding VTQs and other general qualifications - GOV.UK
Outcome of the government consultation about alternative arrangements for the 2021 award of VTQs and other general qualifications
Guidance to support the summer 2021 exams - GOV.UK
Government information about what students , schools and colleges need to know about taking GCSEs, AS and A levels and other qualifications in summer 2021.
GCSEs, AS and A-levels: a guide for students in England
Advice and guidance for students on different parts of the process of GCSE, AS and A level assessment.
Useful Website Links
SEN and Disabilities
Worcestershire's Coronavirus SEND Local Offer
SEND specific information in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19) for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
SENDIASS activities to help manage children's anxieties
The Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Disability Information and Support Service has suggestions for activities to manage anxieties.
Support during Covid-19
The Worcestershire Speech and Language Service’s collection of accessible information resources. More is added every week
Coronavirus guidance - Carers UK
Carers UK’s information about coronavirus for unpaid carers.
Tips for autistic people and their families - NAS
The National Autistic Society’s tips to help during this time of uncertainty.
Information about coronavirus - NAS
The National Autistic Society guidance and information about coronavirus
Resources for autistic people and families - NAS
The National Autistic Society series of useful resources that autistic people of all ages and their families can use during this time of changes.
Covid-19 information centre - Autism Education Trust
Support materials about coronavirus from the Autism Education Trust
Going back to school or college - a visual story
A visual story explaining how going back might be different – Ambitious about Autism
Back to School in England with Contact
Information and recordings of Back to School webinars.
Back to School report
Report by the Disabled Children’s Partnership about the return to school for disabled children after lockdown.
Left Stranded report
Report about the impact of coronavirus on autistic people and their families.
Left in Lockdown report
Report by the Disabled Children’s Partnership about parent carers’ experiences of lockdown.
The end of lockdown? Family Fund report
Family Fund report about the last six months in the lives of families raising children with disabilities.
Letter from Minister Ford, 9th November 2020
An open letter from Vicky Ford, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families and carers and those who work to support them.
Joint letter on Winter Planning: Support to Children and Families, 7th October 2020
A joint letter from the LGA, NHS and Public Health England to Directors of Nursing on winter planning and support to children and families.
Useful Website Links
Childcare and educational settings (nursery, school, college etc)
Covid-19 absence (schools): a quick guide for parents/carers
Worcestershire Children First’s guide for parents/carers of children in school; what to do if a member of the household has coronavirus symptoms or has had a positive test.
Covid-19 absence (colleges): a quick guide for parents/carers
Worcestershire Children First’s guide for parents/carers of young people at college; what to do if a member of the household has coronavirus symptoms or has had a positive test.
A Message to Parents from Dr Kathryn Cobain
Short film by Worcestershire County Council as children and young people prepare to go into schools and colleges.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges in the autumn term
Government guidance for parents and family carers of children and young people at educational settings, from nurseries to colleges
Face coverings in education
Guidance on the use of face coverings for years 7 and above in England.
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Government guidance for parents and family carers coverimg changes to after-school clubs, holiday clubs, tuition, community activities and other out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Eight ways to support your child as they return to secondary school
Some tips to help support your child as they start or return to secondary school
.
Returning to school - a different normal
Getting back to school may signal the start of a new year, the legacy of the previous two terms cannot be overlooked. Child Bereavement UK has information about supporting pupils.
Protective measures for holiday and after-school clubs, and other out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Government guidance for organisations or individuals who provide community activities, tuition, holiday clubs or after-school clubs for children (up to age 18), as well as their staff and volunteers.
An open letter from the Education Secretary to parents, carers and guardians 23rd Feb 21
An open letter from Gavin Williamson, published 23rd February. 2021,
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Government guidance about what schools need to do..
COVID-19: Science lessons – What We Know About COVID-19 in Schools
Public Health England article.
Transport to school and other places of education: 2020 to 2021 academic year
Government guidance about transport for children to travel to school safely.
Supporting a child returning to school after lockdown - Young Minds
The Young Minds Parents’ Helpline experts share their tips for supporting a child in the transition back to school life.
Going back to school
Childline’s tips about going back to school
Returning to school after lockdown - Nip in the Bud
Tips by Dr Jess Richardson for supporting a child in returning to school (Nip in the Bud)
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Government guidance on actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK
Information on the return of students for the spring term.
Press Release about the number of students suffering coronavirus - GOV.UK
Details of a Public Health England study conducted in December 2020.
Staggered rollout of coronavirus testing for secondary schools and colleges, Dec 20
Government press release about testing offered to schools and colleges to minimise cases and transmission of the virus with return of students after Christmas.
Guidance for students returning to higher education for spring term
Government guidance for students returning to higher education for the spring term 2021.
Student movement and plans for the end of term - GOV.UK
The Government is asking that students return home in a “student travel window” lasting from 3rd – 9th December.
Back to Primary School - September 2020
Public Health message from Worcestershire Children First and Worcestershire County Council to all Primary and First School pupils returning to school in September (short film).
Schools - Worcestershire Children First
Worcestershire Children First/ Worcestershire County Council schools information.
Preparing autistic and SEND children for going back to school
Short video-based course (free).
Going back to school or college - a visual story
A visual story explaining how going back might be different – Ambitious about Autism
Back to school - Worcestershire Children First
A guide for children on going back to school (short animation by Worcestershire Children First, June 2020)
Worcestershire school transport guidance autumn 2020
Worcestershire County Council’s school transport guidance..
School contingency plans to be implemented as cases rise
Restrictions on schools and colleges which will be introduced in areas with very high rates of coronavirus incidence or transmission, published 30th December 2020.
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