Dear Parents and Carers
Since our return after Easter we have observed many children finding relationships and friendships challenging. We can probably all relate to the fact that post lockdown rebuilding friendships will be challenging and acknowledging this with children and encouraging them to have the resilience to cope and manage these situations has never been more important.
Equally we all need to educate our children on the qualities of a good friend so they recognise how they can form positive relationships. We have a robust curriculum in school alongside our school values which provides a structure for us to hold these conversations. As well as this we have these conversations as matters occur and encourage the children to learn from these situations.
There have been some fallouts between children and staff have worked to resolve these as soon as they have been made aware. Our biggest request is that children are encouraged to tell us about any concerns so we can deal with matters before the children leave school so they are not dwelt on overnight. We would appreciate your support in encouraging children to use this as a strategy for resilience.
If children talk to you at home about relationships that concern you we of course want you to share that information with us (by telephone or email at this time). It maybe that staff are already aware or that we need to look into the situation further. Please understand that staff want the best for your children and will be proactive in ensuring they are well supported. Alongside this please also consider the workload of staff replying to messages: they will be able to respond between 8.30 and 4.30 usually (although remember they will be teaching for much of this time) and emails received overnight will be responded to the following day.
Miss Hardy (our Wellbeing Lead) has put together some resources that could be useful to work on with children and they could help you to structure conversations. If you want to have a go at these you are more than welcome and if you wish to share the outcome with your teacher please do so.
Positive affirmation activities
Positive Thinking Scenario Cards
Resolving conflict support cards
What Makes a Good Friend Activity
We very much hope that by working together, in partnership, we can support our children.
Take care
