On this week's podcast we will be discussing how to support children with emotionally based school phobia/avoidance.

For this conversation, Dale is joined by Dr Tina Rae. Tina is a consultant psychologist with over 30 year's experience working with children, adults and families.

We know that our children and young people who already have existing mental health issues will be finding the current lockdown experience particularly stressful and increased levels of anxiety will be the norm.

However, it is probably also the case that every child will be experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety at this time and that when they do eventually return to the school context there will enormous emotional and psychological hurdles to overcome. The need to provide support for increased levels of anxiety and managing the transition to a 'new normal' will be on-going.

Resources:

Rae, T. (2020) A Toolbox of Wellbeing Helpful strategies and activities for children, teens, their carers and teachers Buckingham: Hinton House Publishers

Rae, T., Such, A. & Wood, J. (2020) The Well Being Tool Kit for Mental health leads in schools A comprehensive Training Resource to Support Emotional Wellbeing in Education and Social Care Buckingham: Hinton House Publishers

Rae, T. (2019) The Transition Tool Box Nurturing Effective Transition to Secondary school London: NurtureUK

West Sussex County Council Educational Psychology Service (2004) Emotionally Based School Refusal: Guidance for Schools and Support Agencies. West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Educational Psychology Service.

Anxiety UK

03444 775 774 (helpline) 07537 416 905 (text) anxietyuk.org.uk Advice and support for people living with anxiety.

Childline

0800 1111 childline.org.uk Support for children and young people in the UK, including a free 24-hour helpline.

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