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 and the Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism (CeLM).

We document good practice in homeschooling/distance learning and wellbeing/mental health during the COVID-19 lockdowns 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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