Service Update
16 March 2020
In the light of COVID-19, and being mindful of current guidance, we have taken the decision to postpone all our groups until further notice.
This decision, while not taken lightly has been made to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. We recognise what the closure of groups means for our Young Carers and their families who value the support they get from groups, and we appreciate your cooperation with this.
We are currently exploring several ways to engage with and support all our families and are reviewing our ways of working to make this happen. One example of this that 121’s will be available by ‘phone. Please keep in touch with us through the usual ways, by text, ‘phone, email etc for any support you might need.
We hope everyone stays safe and this easy read document might be useful.
Advice about the coronavirus
For up to date information please continue to check our website and follow our media channels.
Please find below some web links which you may find useful:
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.carersuk.org/for-professionals/policy/policy-library/statement-on-covid-19-coronavirus
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#collapsefbec4
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
Whilst schools are closed and people are self isolating we thought it may be useful for us to share some educational resources and some fun things to do that have been shared by various people and groups.
A list of resources compiled by the home educating community:
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Especially good for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system but it's mostly common material.
BBC Learning
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/
This site is old and no longer updated and yet there's so much still available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision. No TV licence required except for content on BBC iPlayer.
Futurelearn
https://www.futurelearn.com
Free to access 100s of courses, only pay to upgrade if you need a certificate in your name (own account from age 14+ but younger learners can use a parent account).
Seneca
https://www.senecalearning.com
For those revising at GCSE or A level. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher level material.
Openlearn
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.
Blockly
https://blockly.games
Learn computer programming skills - fun and free.
Scratch
https://scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/
Creative computer programming
Ted Ed
https://ed.ted.com
All sorts of engaging educational videos
National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Activities and quizzes for younger kids.
Duolingo
https://www.duolingo.com
Learn languages for free. Web or app.
Mystery Science
https://mysteryscience.com
Free science lessons
The Kids Should See This
https://thekidshouldseethis.com
Wide range of cool educational videos
Crash Course
https://thecrashcourse.com
You Tube videos on many subjects
Crash Course Kids
https://m.youtube.com/user/crashcoursekids
As above for a younger audience
Crest Awards
https://www.crestawards.org
Science awards you can complete from home.
iDEA Awards
https://idea.org.uk
Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.
Paw Print Badges
https://www.pawprintbadges.co.uk
Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges cost but are optional.
Tinkercad
https://www.tinkercad.com
All kinds of making.
Prodigy Maths
https://www.prodigygame.com
Is in U.S. grades, but good for UK Primary age.
Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.
Nature Detectives
https://naturedetectives.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetect…/
A lot of these can be done in a garden
British Council
https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/find
Resources for English language learning
Oxford Owl for Home
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
Lots of free resources for Primary age
Big History Project
https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home
Aimed at Secondary age. Multi disciplinary activities.
Geography Games
https://world-geography-games.com/world.html
Geography gaming!
Blue Peter Badges
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-blue-peter-badges
If you have a stamp and a nearby post box.
The Artful Parent
https://www.facebook.com/artfulparent/
Good, free art activities
Red Ted Art
https://www.redtedart.com
Easy arts and crafts for little ones
The Imagination Tree
https://theimaginationtree.com
Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.
Toy Theater
https://toytheater.com/
Educational online games
DK Find Out
https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/…
Activities and quizzes
Twinkl
https://www.twinkl.co.uk
This is more for printouts, and usually at a fee, but they are offering a month of free access to parents in the event of school closures.
Other educational resources shared from elsewhere:
Phonics Play
https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/
BBC Bitsize App
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zgd682p
Road safety
https://www.think.gov.uk/education-resources
Some fun ideas and activities that have been shared;
Learn to draw with illustrator Rob Biddulph - http://www.robbiddulph.com/draw-with-rob
Write and post letters to a local care home, their residents will be self isolating and receiving a letter may bring them a smile.
In spain there is a movement #frommywindow (#desdemiventana) and all kids are encouraged to put arts and crafts in their windows so when they go out for a walk (not in groups) they can look at the work of the other children and keep up the good spirits.
Some Zoo's have webcam's in some of the animal enclosures, take a look at the animals and learn about their daily lives:
https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/penguin-cam/#penguincam
https://www.dublinzoo.ie/animals/animal-webcams/african-savanna/
Howard from take that is reading childrens bedtime stories - check out his facbook page or twitter to view.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals are being shown on this channel on a Friday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLeErO8nXsc&fbclid=IwAR25Ze-F2V95Gql7eBLZECwmTtfV_WozQ3_EHJ5hXh792G8XEBAuig6hanU
Bear Gryll's has shared some indoor survival challenges:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/the-great-indoors-bear-grylls?fbclid=IwAR0ehBmIqSSNEjhTDm_8Yr6EpBWqn1BM9EO0QoFC3GpJngSbXzsyao6B7zU
Chris Packham is doing live wildlife watches on his facebook page.
You could take the opportunity to learn a new skill:
https://www.signlanguageforum.com/bsl/fingerspelling/alphabet/?fbclid=IwAR0oXmapin2WHpPxlT17DMZ4rNLV9Bg8lKPOr8vSy7PTTSI3dQX2b-VzrUk
Birmingham museum are doing virtual tours:
https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/blog/posts/bringing-the-museums-to-you-explore-birmingham-museums-online?fbclid=IwAR3ZoukZHt2GV9nXOIDWTXXkceD1y_eEVOfLtyBa7OF2PNL0h3nG6StVqMA
The National Theatre are screening performances:
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/mar/26/national-theatre-to-broadcast-shows-online-on-thursdays?fbclid=IwAR29OyB6jM0mrzOTHgeri4-Ke9ECZX5Cl7FeoP-pVRHP1kzK5I-3Dm_r3jE
Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing is doing dance lessons on her facebook page.
David Walliams is releasing free audiobooks:
https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/?fbclid=IwAR1n1QmL8lmG6H4Z3ZBcJfs7iQhs4l89hUZuOpnNyWHNy4ii5ktCsGp-aQA
Virtual field trips available here:
https://freedomhomeschooling.com/virtual-field-trips/?fbclid=IwAR2Ggh9ggLJ60L35mpaNM3UV_PFfSXtdCsyPyeTgxFMVOavahbguaSI1g1Y
We are retweeting and re-sharing as many of these ideas on our social media channels too so keep checking those.
See below a message from the Early Help team regarding Warwickshire's Welfare Scheme Details;
If children are registered for Free School Meals parents/carers can apply for assistance to buy food whilst they are not at school. This will be through a £30 voucher per child that they will receive via text/SMS to their mobile and can be exchanged for cash at any Paypoint outlet. We are currently offering six weeks of support as we do not know how long schools will be closed for.
From Monday 23rd March 2020, our Local Welfare Scheme Team will be happy to help and parents/carers can apply using either of these methods:
calling on 0800 4081448 or 01926 359182. You will be asked for each child's name, date of birth and a valid mobile number
emailing us at warwickshirelocalwelfarescheme@warwickshire.gov.uk. You will need to include each child's name, date of birth and a valid mobile number
Please be patient when calling us as we are anticipating a high volume of enquiries. We can confirm that you can contact us at anytime during the six weeks and you will still be eligible for the full amount.
See below information from Early Help regarding how to access support;
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we have taken the decision to cancel the Family Support drop-in service delivered by the Early Help and Targeted Support team until further notice.
Support will continue to be available through the Family Support duty phone line on 01926 412412 (Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm)
Information and advice can also be found on the Children and Families pages of the Warwickshire website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies
For families, children and young people 0-19 years old, or 0-25 years with additional needs living in Warwickshire
Guidance from Ofqual about summer exams can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877830/Letter_to_students_-_Summer_2020_grading.pdf
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