I’m feeling worried about… « Openminds in Calderdale

Worry Cards on Returning to Education – created by young people for young people

Recently, 16 young people came together to create 14 flash cards for students returning to education. The purpose of these cards are to help decrease stress levels surrounding any worries or queries that students might have, especially for those who haven’t been in an education setting since March 2020 due to the current pandemic.

Click on each card to see the suggested advice:

Speak to your GP or another professional to get advice on returning to education, also speak to a teacher around what they can do to help you safely return.

Discuss with your GP or another professional on how you can safely return to education. It’s important to follow guidelines to keep you and your family safe.

It’s important for you to feel comfortable, if others are making you feel uncomfortable remove yourself from the situation if possible. Follow the rules that have been set to keep you safe.

The majority of schools are carefully introducing students back. This will mean fewer students will be in attendance at any one time. Because there will be less people this could help you feel less overwhelmed. Talk to your friends or a trusted adult about how you feel.

Use sources like BBC Bitesize and Quizlet. Talk to your teacher and ask for a work pack or revision guides to help you catch up.

BBC Bitesize

Ask your school about the school bus arrangements. If you don’t feel comfortable using the school bus then you could ask someone you live with to help. Try and adhere to the transport guidelines as best you can by wearing a mask and social distancing.

Speak to a teacher about what they are putting into place to prevent people breaking the social distancing guidelines and how they intend on teaching classes prior to returning.

Follow the rules, wear a mask if you want to, and wash your hands after using the toilet and put sanitizer on your hands after leaving.

If and when possible, keep in touch with friends online outside of school hours. Whilst attending school ensure you follow the social distancing rules, it’s important to maintain friendships and not isolate yourself from your friends.

Before returning to school ask your teachers about this and follow the school guidance.

Most schools will have staggered start and finish times if you are still worried speak to a teacher regarding being able to arrive late and to be able to leave early to avoid potential crowds.

Your school will be ensuring that the furniture and classroom equipment will be thoroughly and regularly cleansed. If possible carry around some hand sanitizer and wipes or ask your school if they will provide them.

Your school will be minimising the times where all students would access classrooms and hallways. If possible carry around some hand sanitizer, wipes and a mask if you have them.

Speak to a teacher about this and ask what the school guidance is. You could also ask someone you live with whether or not you would be able to take a packed lunch with you.