1. Create a positive learning space

For many households this may be difficult, however there are a number of small adjustments one can make to create a positive learning space:

• Minimise sensory input. Where possible, minimise sensory inputs such as cooking smells, phone calls and washing machine noises as they can all impact on concentration
• Ensure your child or student has a suitable chair and a flat surface to work on
• Organisers. Provide folders or boxes to help categorise files and papers that ensure the pupil can organise themselves efficiently.

2. Establish routines, expectations and clear communication 

• Routines, timetables, consistency and predictability. These are all key to learning from home as they bring structure to the day. These can be flexible and reviewed over time 
• Commit to appropriate sleep and waking times. This will have a significant impact on concentration and memory throughout the day
• Establish expectations and restrictions that promote focused learning. For instance, restricting time spent on mobile devices 
• Simple instructions. Keep instructions simple and break them down into short, well-spaced out sentences. 

3. Positive relationships built on trust

Positive relationships are key to engaging a pupil in learning. Some simple ways you could foster these relationships:

• Work on a strengths-based approach. Learn what your child or pupil is familiar with and build their day around what they like, know, and are interested in
• Humour. Recognise the positive impact of humour and acknowledge that it is ok to laugh at oneself and the mistakes that one makes
• Enthusiasm. Put simply, enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm
• Unconditional positive regard. Applying this concept encourages self-acceptance and improve how children see themselves and others.   

4. Incorporate times for movement and reflection

• Divide learning sessions into 15-20 minute chunks. For many children and young people, shorter time frames within learning sessions tend to be very effective
• Encourage regular movements breaks. These are vital to health, wellbeing and readiness for learning. Implement fitness goals and plan activities that keep hands busy, feet moving, and minds engaged. 

5. Provide opportunities for creativity

• Make time for creative activities. Music, drama, arts and crafts are all very therapeutic and have been proven to alleviate stress and combat anxiety 
• Take advantage of the educational content online. Encourage pupils to make use of video content on YouTube, BBC Bitesize, GCSE Pod and allow them the opportunity to present their work creatively. 

 

We recognise the growing number of children who struggle with school attendance associated with anxiety. School attendance is often inaccurately or unfairly referred to as 'school refusal’, which does not acknowledge that the school environment is a complex system which has the potential to create multiple barriers to attendance, which are often exacerbated for pupils with SEMH and ASD needs. 

TCES Home Learning’s approach is one such strategy used to support pupils experiencing this. The service offers highly individualised 1:1 Home Learning to children between the ages of 5 and 19 across London and the Home Counties.  

For more information on this, check out our Home Learning as a response to school anxiety webinar. Alternatively, should you wish to discuss any issues relating to this article, Contact Us. 

To discuss placing a child or young person with us please contact homelearning@tces.org.uk.