Schools and parents/carers can use these resources to prepare for the return to school in the autumn. Although some children have returned to school already, for many, the new autumn term will be their first time stepping into a classroom since lockdown began. Understandably, this may be a strange or worrying time for some children, parents and carers, and schools. We know that supporting children’s mental wellbeing during the return to school is a key priority for many of you. We’ve collected together lots of useful resources in this toolkit, all focused on making sure the return to classrooms in the autumn is a mentally healthy one. We’ve split the list of resources into two: one section is full of resources for parents and carers, featuring activities and tips for how to prepare their child for re-starting school in September the other section is focused on resources for schools for use in the autumn term or when planning for the new school year.

Separation anxiety at the start of a new term or school year can be an issue for children, their families and schools. With coronavirus meaning many children will have been away from school for a significant amount of time, schools may be expecting increased levels of separation anxiety at the start of term. This simple plan is designed for teachers to use for individual students for whom separation anxiety is a concern. They can use the plan to plot out ideas for working with the child and the child’s parents, and the outcomes of these actions. Using this resource This resource is designed for: use by school staff use on an individual basis

This resource uses an illustration and basic drama techniques to get children thinking about happiness and where it comes from. Children will explore concepts like happiness and gratitude, and think about how social media might affect how we feel about ourselves and others. Using this resource This resource is designed for: children aged 9 and above use in small groups This resource is linked to curricular across the UK. England - RSHE Mental wellbeing • simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family and the benefits of hobbies and interests Internet Safety and Harms • about the benefits of rationing time spent online, the risks of excessive time spent on electronic devices and the impact of positive and negative content online on their own and others’ mental and physical wellbeing Respectful Relationships • the importance of self-respect and how this links to their own happiness Northern Ireland - Personal Development and Mutual Understanding PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING AND HEALTH Pupils should be enabled to explore: • their self–esteem and self-confidence (KS1) • strategies and skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe (KS1) • their self-esteem, self-confidence and how they develop as individuals (KS2) • how to sustain their health, growth and well-being and coping safely and efficiently with their environment (KS2). Wales – Health and Wellbeing Statement 2 - How we process and respond to our experiences affects our mental health and emotional well-being. Statement 3 - Our decision-making impacts on the quality of our lives and the lives of others. Scotland - Health and Wellbeing Mental and Emotional Wellbeing •I understand that my feelings and reactions can change depending upon what is happening within and around me. This helps me to understand my own behaviour and the way others behave. · I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships

Use this tool to action plan support for separation anxiety throughout the first term back at school and beyond. The coronavirus lockdown has meant that children have spent a significantly increased amount of time with their families, and a return to school may mean an increase in anxiety for some pupils. Some children may be more nervous about being separated from their parents or carers than they normally would. Parents and carers may also feel anxious about being away from their children. This resource includes an example action plan with some ideas to reduce separation anxiety, and then a blank plan for you to fill in. You could to work through this as a whole staff group or individually, to help you think through how best to support your pupils.

A free, colouring in activity for KS1 and KS2 that can help children to focus on the present, and encourages them to think of a positive word to describe themselves. For more free, primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

Free, practical resources for primary schools, to help pupils feel calm and confident towards the end of Autumn term. There are also practical resources to boost staff wellbeing over the winter break, and a selection of free helplines and counselling services to signpost to for support. For more primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

This toolkit has been specially designed for World Mental Health Day, and provides primary schools with a range of practical resources to help inform and boost wellbeing for pupils and staff. It includes : Posters Classroom activities Lesson plans Assembly plan Mindfulness exercises Tools and guidance Videos and animations For more primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk