The nine-module course takes under an hour to complete and has been developed by Dr Pooky Knightsmith. It is being offered in association with SecEd and Headteacher Update.
Dr Knightsmith has a PhD in child mental health from the Institute of Psychiatry, is the author of many books and a regular contributor to the magazines on issues of mental health and wellbeing.
The course – which is hosted by Creative Education – follows the publication of Dr Knightsmith’s latest article for SecEd and Headteacher Update, Mental health & Covid-19: Be the adult that your child needs (2020).
Dr Knightsmith said: “At a time when everything feels uncertain, children of all ages are looking to the adults in their lives for guidance and reassurance. That can be difficult when we are also struggling to come to terms with a new normal and have no idea quite what the future holds.
“However, there are simple steps we can take to support the children in our care and protect their wellbeing. These ideas are evergreen and are a good focus to support children at any time, but right now they’re more important than ever.”
The course tackles issues such as flow and creativity, accomplishment, comfort, and fun, offering families and teachers practical ideas and tips.
The course is an on-demand video course that you can watch at a pace to suit you. The content is delivered in bite-sized videos that will take less than an hour to watch in total. At the end of the course there is a short activity to help you reflect on what you have learned and consider how to take it forwards.
The course is one of a number being offered for free by Dr Knightsmith to support parents and teachers during lockdown. Others include Supporting a safe and successful return to school, Making a success of remote teaching, Using simple self-soothe strategies, and Staying mentally well during Covid-19.
- For more information, visit https://elearning.creativeeducation.co.uk/courses/be-the-adult-a-child-needs-during-lockdown/
- Knightsmith: Mental health & Covid-19: Be the adult that your child needs, Headteacher Update, April 2020: https://bit.ly/3dw7Ag2