13.05.20
Local Education Authority launches parent and carer helpline
A Local Education Authority in Bury has launched an Educational Psychology Service and parent helpline to support parents and carers through this crisis.
The current situation is causing parents and carers a lot of stress and worry, particularly for those with children or young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND).
The new service, run by Bury Education Psychology Service, has been established to give support and advice to parents, carers and schools on Mondays between 13.00 and 15.30 and Wednesdays between 9.30 and 12.00.
Typical advice and support will centre around anxiety and stress relating to children being out of school, returning to school and Covid-19 in general. Educational Psychologists will also be able to provide support for loss and bereavement, transitions between school years, routines and behaviour and academic reassurance.
The authority is urging people to call if they need help or have a question regardless of how small the question might seem.
Karen Whitehead, Strategic Lead Inclusion & Partnerships at Bury Council said:
“This helpline will provide practical support to parents and schools and will ensure that the educational psychology service provide guidance and expert support during COVID 19 and will be a crucial component as we being to moving forwards with our Bury integrated multi agency model.”
This week the Government announced that from June 1st it is planning to open primary schools for some pupils, a decision that has divided public opinion.
The helpline contact number is 0161 253 6406.