Resources, Information and Support
Sandwell Council offers back to school advice and support
With children due back to school in a few weeks, Sandwell Council has a set up a dedicated website for parents and young people.
The website has a number of questions and answers as well as links to organisations who can help and support families with the return to school. The website can be found at www.sandwell.gov.uk/backtoschool.
Schools are working hard and planning for the return of all pupils for the autumn term and are making sure they ready to welcome children back in September.
Councillor Joyce Underhill, cabinet member for best start in life, said: “Most children and young people will have been away from school for six months so it is important parents and children get ready to return this September.
“Our team has done a wonderful job in supporting schools throughout this difficult time. We will continue to offer support to schools as they plan to fully reopen.
“It is important parents and carers talk to the children and young people to prepare them for school.”
Deputy leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, added: “I have no doubt, the majority of children can’t wait to get back to learning in the classroom and to see their friends but there will be some who feel anxious about this.
“I encourage families to look on the website where there is some really useful advice and details of the support on offer to all.”
The website will continue to be updated as government advice is received.
Sandwell families can visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/backtoschool for full details.
Please click here for a support booklet.
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Please click here or on the image below for a short video giving safeguarding advice for volunteers (video provided by Waltham Forest Council)
For parents/carers – a special COVID-19 message, please click here or on the image below:
For coronavirus advice for young people in Sandwell please click here or on the image below:
Runaway Helpline and supporting the children in your care during COVID-19
Runaway Helpline is here for you 24/7 during the coronavirus outbreak
Missing People guidance for the police during COVID-19
There are lots of resources to help you stay happy and healthy whilst staying at home, and also information on how to explain coronavirus to children, you can access some of them using the links below:
Hello, I am a virus – how to explain coronavirus to children
Talking to a child worried about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Mental wellbeing while staying at home
Feeding you and your family on a budget
NHS Universal services campaign
If you would like to help support others during this time you can join the NHS volunteer responders:
It is also worth noting that there are other community support groups across Sandwell if you work across the borough. More information is available from the Council’s website: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200354/coronavirus_advice/4462/helpful_community_organisations.
The Council also has an Emergency Helpline for those in need: 0121 569 2266
COVID 19 and Domestic Abuse
This is a difficult and challenging time for everyone. However, there is still help, advice and support available for anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse. If you are in immediate danger and your life is threatened, you should dial 999 and officers will get to you as soon as possible. Domestic abuse can also be reported to West Midlands Police using their website https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/. It’s easy to use and could be safer than calling. Anyone can webchat Police staff via the website for help and advice without having to talk to someone on the phone.
Find further details of where and how to get free confidential advice and support here
Guidance for practitioners from RESPECT click here
RESPECT and Covid-19 Phoneline campaign
News Release 16/04/2020 – Tips for families on staying safe at home and preventing accidents
SCVO (Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisation) info click here
Digital safety during Covid_19