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A simple format to frame your catch-up conversations with children as they meet back together in school. Find out about what they have been doing and what they have enjoyed but also give each child a chance to share any worries and consider who is available in school if they need to talk. Lets put children at the heart of our catch-up programmes and show them in 1:1 conversations that we are listening and we value what they have to tell us.

www.routledge.pub/A-Place-of-My-Own Johan, Hana, Ratheena and Sami have found some magical wellington boots. When they put them on, they are transported to wonderful and comforting places, and even through time. Where will they take you? With growing concerns around mental health, and in the wake of a period of uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever to pay attention to how young children express their emotions, and to teach them to articulate their thoughts in a healthy way. This beautifully illustrated picture book has been created to inspire conversations about safe spaces, helping practitioners assess a child’s mental health competency and helping the child visualise a place to which they can escape when they feel anxious and upset. When it comes to child and adolescent mental health issues, prevention and early intervention is key. The ‘serve and return’ format of this book provides a virtual space where children can explore thoughts and feelings and teaches them a coping mechanism that can be used in the future to escape negative thoughts. A Place of My Own, will be available to pre-order. TES readers can receive a 20 per cent discount by using the code APR20 until 30 September.

A video explaining the idea behind the Until we Meet Again series of books which are all available to download for free on the TES resources page. When you build a narrative alongside photographs of real children taking practical action it can empower others to see what is possible. You can tailor the books to different countries and cultures by changing the pictures and translating the text. I hope the idea will inspire others to create their own books for children about the communities in which they live during the coronavirus pandemic. In this way we can help to protect the mental health of young children during a pandemic. Children are introduced to key health and wellbeing messages and they are encouraged to talk about the new rules which are impacting their lives in developmentally appropriate ways.

Early childhood education during a pandemic is challenging. Supportive relationships and social distancing are both critical priorities that will ensure the health and wellbeing of the child during the coronavirus pandemic. Physical separation is necessary to slow down the progression of the pandemic, whereas responsive social interaction is essential for strengthening resilience. This book has been written to help you explain to a young child what social distancing means. The ‘serve and return’ interactions that you have with your child, whilst talking about the children in the photographs, will help protect your child’s developing brain and build resilience. Maintaining social connections through the use of stories can help parents and care-givers to build a responsive relationship with a child. Stories about familiar children doing ordinary activities, will provide a vital link between children and their friends which will help to reduce the effects of ongoing stress.

A short audio story for use with very young children. Prepare a bowl of water, soap and towel so the child can wash their hands and play as they listen. This resource was recorded to help children under five living in remote areas of the world understand how to stay safe and reduce the spread of infection. Encourage young children to talk, ask questions and share their thoughts as they play with the water. A practical introduction to hand washing for a young child listening alongside a parent, sibling or ECE Educator.