COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Department for Education coronavirus helpline
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is now available to
answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and
children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact
this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
Information and letters
Closure of schools - Parent information
Government guidance for schools
New Free School Meal Voucher information
Health Advice from Reading Borough Council
GFIS Coronavirus precautions Public Health Agency Advice
NHS coronavirus advice for travel GFIS Updated advice 13th March
School closure information 19th March
Coronavirus data information to parents and staff 24th March 2020
Brighter Futures for Children coronavirus updates
Help and support
Managing wellbeing - for adults and for children
Child-friendly book about coronavirus
ThinkNinja is a free app designed to support children's emotional health and wellbeing. It is available from your device's relevant app store.
There is a section in the app for coronavirus, covering fears linked to coronavirus, isolation struggles, worries about family and friends and coping techniques.
Click here for more information.
Support for parents
9 ways to stay mentally healthy during uncertain times
NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing
Mindful.org free mindfulness resources during COVID-19
Apps to support your emotional health and wellbeing
Local charities and links for parents
One Reading Community Hub:
The One Reading Community Hub has been created for Reading borough residents who may require additional support during the pandemic. It is also a place for people to volunteer their time or services to help those in need.
The hub is a partnership between Reading Borough Council, Reading Voluntary Action, Brighter Futures for Children and the town's wide and varied voluntary and community sector.
It provides a helpline 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday on 0808 1894325 (freephone). For more details visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirussupport