About the Project

What is this project about?

This is a collaborative project run by researchers at the University of Reading and supported by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP) scheme.

We document good practice in homeschooling/distance learning and wellbeing/mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown and inform policy planning for reopening of schools.

This project consists of sub-projects looking at different aspects of responding to children’s needs:

  1. Exploring the views of practitioners and families on distance learning, wellbeing/mental health during the lockdown and in transition back to formal schooling
  2. Exploring home-led reading activities during the lockdown and in transition back to formal schooling

We aim to identify:

  • main needs of children and youth during school closures
  • currently used good practices that help address these needs
  • gaps in practice requiring further action and
  • ways to plan for safe and effective school reopening

How are we doing that?

We are exploring the views of professionals working with and families/carers of children and young people who may:

  • have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with or without an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • have a child in need plan or a child protection plan
  • be a looked-after child
  • be a refugee or unaccompanied minor (and may speak English as an Additional Language)
  • come from a disadvantaged background
  • have been assessed as otherwise vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic

See our preliminary Results  of the first project at: http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/vunerable-children-covid-19/about-the-project/results/ and browse Resources for you at: http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/vunerable-children-covid-19/resources-and-support-for-you/

If you would like to contribute your questions, please go to: https://reading.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/have-your-say

 

Our second project on home-led reading activities is open for participants:


Please go to the “Take Part” tab to learn more and take part: http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/vunerable-children-covid-19/take-part/

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