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Supporting children and parents during school shutdown

A Facebook group, organised by volunteer Parent Champions at Compass Support, has been set up to share tips and ideas to keep children and parents happy and healthy during the school shutdown.

Aimed at families in Castle Vale, in particular those with school-aged children, the group shares ideas on how young mind can grow through individual learning or by spending educational and creative time either together as a family.

The group reveals a number of tools, apps, and YouTube broadcasts that children can use to break up their day. For example, YouTube is offering the popular PE with Joe Wicks on YouTube 9am on weekdays, while the comedian and award-winning author David Walliams runs story time at 11am on his website.

With an aim to provide as many low-cost options as possible, the parent champions also share educational materials that have been made available for free, such as free access to Amazon’s Audible children’s audio books.

At a time when mental health is important, the group can be used as a key tool for parents to feel connected, have a chat and signpost those who feel overwhelmed to local support services.

Molly Miles, Volunteer Organiser, said:

The Parent Champions play an important role in helping to spread the word to families in the local area about the free Family Coaching Service and the other services provided by Compass Support.

With the current situation causing uncertainty across the nation, we wanted to offer a platform for parents to stay connected even through these times of self-isolation.

Through this group you can share advice, activities for kids, tips, tricks – but most importantly, messages of positivity. Let’s show each other that self-isolation doesn’t mean you’re alone!

All members of the community are welcome to be a part of this online forum, simply follow the link to the group and request to join:

www.facebook.com/groups/CastleValeParentChampions