It had been the case that some vulnerable pupils are deemed not suitable for mainstream classroom, relying on platforms such as EDLounge for their education.
Vulnerable children are now being encouraged to attend schools. Along with children of key workers, schools are taking in a small number of pupils. The majority stay at home isolated with their families.
But what do schools know of vulnerable pupils that have been off-site all year and how does this impact their education?
Managing anxiety
Early indications suggest the number of pupils attending school is low. This may because staying at home may feel easier and parents have anxieties too.
Parents of vulnerable pupils have issues surrounding the quality of education being received. What will staff do with them? Will key worker children and vulnerable children be mixed?
Staff too will have anxieties, but it is important that they support each other. However, for these pupils managing anxiety is crucial.
Traumatised children could suffer “double whammy” anxieties. The changes in school and life coupled with current family anxiety could trigger reactions and panic outbursts. They may also pick up on anxieties in teachers.
The need to listen
A knowledge of calming activities will be useful in this situation. Left-brain activities like dot-to-dots, jigsaws and creative visualisations are recommended.
Angela Greenwood, a former educational psychotherapist says, “A detailed understanding of their attachment patterns will gave a framework for thinking, and lead to helpful ways of responding.
“Enough understanding of the effects of trauma on the brain, on learning and memory and on (triggered) behaviours etc, will help staff to know that in the moment children often can’t help their reactions. They need help.”
Further, an emphatic response alongside firm boundaries will enable children to feel secure and held in mind.
How EDLounge can help
EDLounge Limited is an easy-to-use alternative provision with access to over 11,000 lessons.
The virtual learning platform is the ideal solution to help pupils learn at their own pace. With homework, revision and assessment built into the software, the constant approach will help to reduce anxieties.
Further, a range of additional help is provided with dedicated mental health lessons.
EDLounge Limited has been inspected by Ofsted. You can read the 2019 report here. For testimonials click here.
For more information on EDLounge has an alternative provision click here.
