NSPCC: Childhood trauma and the brain

NSPCC: Childhood trauma and the brain

NSPCC Learning has published a news story highlighting new resources to help bridge the gap between neuroscience and frontline practice. The resources are based on research carried out by University College London (UCL) looking at how children’s brains adapt to abusive or neglectful environments in ways that help in the short term but increase risk of mental health problems in the future. The resources include an animation, guidebook and set of videos about childhood trauma and brain development.

REPORT: Babies in Lockdown

REPORT: Babies in Lockdown

Best Beginnings, Home-Start UK and the Parent-Infant Foundation have published a report looking at the impact of the coronavirus crisis on babies and their parents of all backgrounds across the UK. Findings from 5,474 respondents to a survey include: 68% of parents felt the changes brought about by COVID-19 were affecting their unborn baby, baby or young child; 34% of respondents believed that their baby’s interaction with them had changed during the lockdown period; 61% of parents shared significant concerns about their own mental health; and in the post natal period only 11% of parents of under twos saw a health visitor face-to-face.

PARENT ZONE: Returning to school: 7 tips to help secondary students cope

PARENT ZONE: Returning to school: 7 tips to help secondary students cope

After months of lockdown, suddenly pupils will be dealing with new school rules, routines, classrooms, classmates, teachers and, in some cases, even new schools.

For many, these changes will inevitably create anxiety, especially given the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and new school social distancing and hygiene measures. More so again if they, or another family member, has been shielding until recently.

To make their transition easier, here are seven things to consider if your child is returning – or preparing to return – to the classroom.