Parents and carers who are having difficulty supporting their children with their distance learning

This section is for parents and carers who are having difficulty supporting their children’s learning. If you are a child and your parents or carers are having difficulty supporting your learning, the information below may also help you to find support.

During this time many parents or carers will be trying to help their children to learn at home, you may not always be able to. The most important thing you can do for your children is keep them safe and happy, the well-being of the family comes first. Remember we are not expecting home to be like school or for you to be like teachers.

Someone from school should be in contact with their pupils and families, they are trying to help all children including those:

• with caring responsibilities
• who have or need extra help
• who don’t live with their family
• who find it difficult to learn.

If you’re finding it hard to help your children keep safe or finding it hard to help them learn, speak to your school – you don’t have to wait for them to contact you.

The Welsh Government is sharing information that you may find helpful about vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic including young carers.

First way to support learning - speak to your school 

Your children’s school, place where they learn or the local authority should be your first contact and will be able to support you or get help for your children’s needs. They will also be able to give you activities and tasks that you and your children can try together. 

Your school or local authority will also be able to help if your children:

• receive free school meals - there is still support to access free school meals at this time. You can speak to your school or you can find out about free school meals in your local authority here.
• are finding it hard to use or access electronic devices or online activities - speak to your children’s school or your local authority. More support has been provided to help families during this difficult time.

Other ways to support learning - things you may be able to try 

There are many ways of learning, not just with technology or with a teacher. Children can learn through playing, talking and doing everyday activities like cooking, gardening and cleaning. They may also learn through more ‘formal’ things like doing   activities online or on paper. Here are some ideas to help with learning and behaviour.

• Try finding a balance between learning and relaxation, getting a routine that fits your family.
• Try to talk about what is going on; see things from your children’s point of view. They may be struggling or unable to understand the situation.
• Talk about what is going on and about going back to school, moving class, changing teachers, or arrangements for after leaving the place they learn at now. Schools will be able to help with this.
• If older children have concerns around grades or results will be awarded this summer help can be found on the Qualifications Wales website and careers advice about post-16 options can be found at Careers Wales.
• Try to help your children manage their behaviour and anxiety.
• Use online experiences like virtual tours of zoos and museums.
• Activities and support for learning for 3 to 7-year-olds, 7 to 11-year-olds, 11 to 16-year-olds, 16 years and older.
• Try relaxation activities.
• Stay as active as possible, in line with Welsh Government guidance, and explore the home and any outside area you have, and play games.
• Stay connected with teachers or individuals that support you and your children where possible. If your children receive extra support at school, speak to the school to understand what works for them in the school setting.

If you need more support or advice you can ask: 

• the local authority
• a social worker or carer
• a welfare officer, family engagement officer or attendance officer
• a health visitor
• counsellor – changes to the way support children and young people have had to be made
• other community services.

If you’re not already in contact with any of the above services and think you should be speak to your children’s school as they will be able to tell you about services in your local area.

You can also get support from:

Carers UK - 0808 808 7777 (Monday to Friday: 9am-6pm)

Carers Trust can help you find services in your area

Childline - 0800 1111

Meic Cymru - 0808 8023 456 (Daily 8am-12pm)

Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7)

NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 (Monday-Friday: 8am-10pm/Weekends: 9am-6pm)

Mind Cymru - 0300 123 3393

Live Fear Free  - 0808 80 10 800 (24/7)

SNAP Cymru - 0808 801 0608

Adoption UK (Wales helpline) – 02920 230319 - Offers parenting and adoption advice.

Fostering Network support for foster carers

NHS Direct - 111 (currently available in the following health board areas - Hywel Dda, Powys, Aneurin Bevan and Swansea Bay - including Bridgend). If you are outside these areas, please call 0845 46 47 (2pm per Minute).

In an emergency you should always call 999.

Information sheet