Promoting well-being is a fundamental element of the Department’s overall plan to support school communities as we continue to manage the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of my Department is leading on supporting the well-being of schools communities at this time. The response to support the well-being of all within school communities requires a structured, psychosocial response which is compassionate and largely preventative and proactive. A whole-school team approach to planning is recommended in order to ensure that staff, students and parents feel safe and secure. Supporting the well-being of school communities at this time of transition is helped by fostering resilience using five key principles.
- Promoting a sense of safety – so that people feel that they are safe, and that those around them are safe
- Promoting a sense of calm – so that people feel relaxed, composed and grounded (regulated)
- Promoting a sense of belonging and connectedness – so that people experience having meaningful relationships with others who understand and support them
- Promoting a sense of self-efficacy and community-efficacy – so that people believe that they can manage and do what is needed, and so can their school community
- Promoting a sense of hope – so that people believe that things will work out well
NEPS has created a range of resources and support including Well-being Webinars for primary, special, and post-primary schools, Well-being Toolkits for Schools with a range of easily downloadable, user-friendly materials and advice and resources for parents, student and school staff to support their well-being at this time.
Resources are also available for parents and students including the following:
Parents
- A Guide for Parents on supporting children and young people with daily routines while schools are closed
- How to Calm and Support your Child – A Guide for Parents and Guardians
- Managing Stress and Anxiety - A Guide for Parents and Guardians
Students
- Advice for young people while schools are closed
- A Plan for the Day – A template to support daily routines
- Managing Stress and Anxiety – a guide for students
- Panic attacks – a guide for students
These resources can be accessed on the gov.ie website.