Parent information
CORONAVIRUS - For our latest update click here
Warning from the Department of Education:
Be aware of scam emails
We have been informed that some parents have received an email stating the following: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported’.
We can confirm that this is a scam email and is not official. We urge parents that if you receive any emails like this, please do not respond, and delete it immediately.
For information regarding summer exam results please see this letter from Ofqual - Click here
Welcome to the Parent page which provides Information for parents, carers and pupils on a range of topics affecting children and young people today. Here are some downloadable documents giving more information that have been provided by internetmatters.org:
- Talking to Vulnerable Children.pdf
- Talking to 11-13 year olds.pdf
- What is online grooming.pdf
- Online Safety Guild.pdf
- Advice on keeping children safe from harm and abuse
Educare (our online training provider) have launched Edusafe which is a free platform with resources for parents and young people.
Substance misuse
Mental Health
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Children and Young People
- https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/camhslive
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/
- https://www.headspace.com/
- https://youngminds.org.uk/
- https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/support-for-parents/children-s-mental-health/
- http://thelowdown.info/
- Phone Samaritans 116 123
- https://www.samaritans.org/
- Text your school nurse
Radicalisation
Information for parents/carers regarding the prevention of radicalisation
LGBTIQ+ Support
- http://thelowdown.info/counselling/lgbtq-support-services/
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/lgbtiqplus-mental-health/
- https://www.mindout.org.uk/
FGM Support
Physical Health
- https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/about-change4life
- https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/sexual-health
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/
- Text your school nurse
If you are being bullied, please speak to your trusted adult at home or at school or you may find the links below helpful:
- Phone Childline 0800 1111
- https://www.childline.org.uk/
- Phone Samaritans 116 123
- https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/
- https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/
- https://www.samaritans.org/
At On Track Education we feel it is vital that students are educated about Internet safety and the Online world. We also think it is important for Parents and Carers to have the information they need to support young people, to make the right decisions and be able to report any concerns they have. Please find below links that will enable you to do this:
- https://parentinfo.org
- https://www.internetmatters.org/
- https://www.childnet.com/
- https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
To report any concern’s, you have with the way someone is communicating with you or online sexual abuse please report on the below link:
5 steps to mental wellbeing
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:
- help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
- give you an opportunity to share positive experiences
- provide emotional support and allow you to support others
There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:
2. Be physically active
Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
- raising your self-esteem
- helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them
- causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood
3. Learn new skills
Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
- boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
- helping you to build a sense of purpose
- helping you to connect with others
Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.
4. Give to others
Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:
- creating positive feelings and a sense of reward
- giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
- helping you connect with other people
It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
For further details please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
There are many apps that you can download for the above links, which can help support a young person. Having an app on your phone is an excellent way of access support and advice 24 hours a day.
© 2020 On Track Education