Schools offered help to deal with stresses of COVID
Perth and Kinross Council has been offered support to help staff and pupils cope with the“emotional stresses”brought on by the COVID pandemic.
Increased support is being offered to schools in the region for those struggling with the return to the classroom after five months away.
Scottish Mediation, the professional body for mediators in Scotland, had written to PKC following the implementation of a service launched nationally to help resolve issues which have arisen out of the coronavirus lockdown.
As part of the service, professional volunteer mediators have been helping people deal with conflict connected to self-isolation and social distancing, including those surrounding disputes with employers about returning to work.
The training offered includes an early intervention approach to deal with challenging situations that young people face.
Sarah Welsh, peer mediation coordinator at Scottish Mediation, said: “We have seen some remarkable results from our peer mediation training, which is about teaching young people how to deal with conflict without necessarily having to go to a teacher or other adult first.
“It gives them the knowledge to deal with things themselves.
“Given our social circumstances, these are skills which are perhaps needed now more than ever. In primary schools in particular we have seen this work really well.
“Children are really keen, and want to learn these new techniques and are interested in helping others.”
Graham Boyack, director of Scottish Mediation, added:“We are hearing genuine concerns for some children about how they are coping emotionally with the return to school.
“Some of them may have suffered personal losses or had family difficulties as a result of the pandemic, others may be anxious about the risks of falling ill or are finding it a challenge to cope socially being back among their peers.
“Many parents too will be anxious about the safety of their children. We can support people with how to manage this.”
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Caroline Shiers, said: “The wellbeing of children, young people and staff in our schools is of the highest priority for us.
“We have been and are continuing to offer support with both the practical and emotional impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and adjusting to the return to schools.
“I welcome the details of the support available from Scottish Mediation, and we will consider where that fits with the wide range of supports already available.”