IT’S been over six months since the coronavirus lockdown closed schools to the majority of children.

The new school year sees them set to reopen but with new precautions put in place.

Treated.com Clinical Lead, Dr Daniel Atkinson, offers tips on how parents can best prepare their children for returning to school.

• Be vigilant for coronavirus symptoms

As your child starts to mix with more people it’s important to remember that the virus is still out there.

‘The risks of coronavirus for young children are small and the benefits of returning to school are big.

New safety precautions have been put in place to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading through schools, however, it’s still important to follow the government guidelines on isolation should you or your child develop symptoms.’

• Check in on their mental wellbeing

‘It’s difficult to say how the pause in education caused by coronavirus will impact our children. Children are resilient but can be sensitive to external factors, especially when they see how adults are reacting. However, there’s no doubt that returning to school and interacting with their peers will be a positive experience for the majority of children.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

• Talk about potential new changes at school

 ‘It is possible that some children will be feeling anxious about being apart from their parents.

Speaking to your children and giving them time to process what going back to school will be like is one of the best things you can do at this time. This will give them the support they need to return to school with confidence.’

• Keep encouraging hand washing

‘Maintaining good hand hygiene is just as important now as it was at the start of lockdown. Encouraging your children to wash their hands before they leave the house, before and after meals, after using the toilet and when they return home is a good habit even when they’re not in school.’

• Follow drop off and pick up rules

‘Depending on the rules set out by your child’s school, you may feel more comfortable wearing a mask to drop off or pick up your child. It’s also good to get into the habit of carrying hand sanitiser with you too. Be aware that it could take some time for everyone to get up to speed with the new rules and therefore drop off or pick up could be a little slower than usual.’

• Know that feeling anxious about the new term is normal

‘A new school year can cause some level of stress for all parents even without the current extreme external factors.

If possible, speak to other parents, introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and make sure you’re up-to-date with what will be expected of you and your children when the school term starts.

Try to avoid leaving things to the last minute as that could add to any potential stress. Most schools are encouraging email contact or have links to their coronavirus guidelines on their webpage.

Having the knowledge that safety precautions are in place will help reassure you and your children.’

Treated.com is an online pharmacy and health service, offering prescription treatments and remote consultations with UK clinicians.