We want to make sure that families in Southampton are kept well informed about Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Updated guidance - 1st April 2022
From Friday 1st April 2022, routine Covid testing will no longer be expected in all education and children’s social care settings. Please see below link/guidance for questions about the changes, what you should do if your child tests positive for coronavirus and how to get them a vaccine.
Click here view the guidance
Updated guidance - 25th February 2022
Please click the link to view the updated SEND and specialist settings: additional COVID-19 operational guidance which reflects new public health information and guidance issued yesterday. Updates have been made to the section on tracing close contacts and isolation. The section on when someone develops COVID-19 symptoms or has a positive test has also been revised.
Updated guidance - 24th February 2022
Click here - What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Page summary:
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges.
Change made:
Updated to reflect the end of the asymptomatic testing programme. Reference made to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance on contact tracing and isolation which comes into effect from Thursday 24 February 2022
Updated guidance - 23rd February 2022
Click here - Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Page summary:
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Change made:
Updated to reflect that asymptomatic testing in special educational needs and disability (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) settings will continue.
On February 22nd the Prime Minister set out the next phase of the government’s COVID-19 response ‘Living with COVID-19’. COVID-19 continues to be a virus that we learn to live with and the imperative to reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education remains.
Click here to visit the latest government advice -
This page provides important updates from Southampton City Council and NHS Solent services that have been affected, as well as useful links to social stories, Makaton signs and easy read documents about the Coronavirus. These resources are designed to support you in understanding the virus, how to talk to children and young people about the virus, supporting children and young people and helping them understand feelings they may be experiencing during this time.
This doesn’t replace the latest information and guidance about Coronavirus in Southampton. Follow this link to our main information page.
There is a new easy read guide to Covid-19 Vaccination Booster jabs, this document is located in the Downloads section on the left hand side of this page.
The government has translated the guidance for self-isolation and social distancing into the following languages:
- Arabic
- French
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
- Polish
- Welsh
The links are here:
Social distancing for vulnerable people
The Educational Psychology Team have created a Transition Framework to Return to School. Please see the PDF document in the downloads box.
Southampton SENDIASS
Southampton SEND Information Advice and Support Service can offer telephone and virtual support to parent carers.
Please find below link to their website -
https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/
IPSEA Coronavirus advices and updates
IPSEA have lots of useful advice and guidance on their website, please see link to their website below -
Guidance, helplines & support
National Autistic Society – guidance and helpline for parents’, young people and staff
Carers UK - Guidance for carers
Coronavirus (COVID-19) support
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Type of Help |
Who is this for? |
What support is offered? |
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Community Support Hub |
Vulnerable groups, in critical need and have no other means of support |
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Resident helpline 023 8083 4800 (open Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm) |
Vulnerable groups, in critical need and have no other means of support |
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Online form Southampton.gov.uk/needhelp |
Vulnerable groups, in critical need and have no other means of support |
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Pharmacy deliveries 023 8071 8668 (in partnership with NHS Southampton City CCG & Saints Foundation) |
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Websites – Southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus Gov.uk/coronavirus |
All residents and businesses |
Hub of information on our services and coronavirus advice |
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Business helpline 023 8083 4300 (open Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm) |
All businesses |
Business support and advice |
Support from partners
Citizens Advice Bureaux 023 8022 3659 citizensadvice.orgOffering advice on a wide range of topics such as finances, universal credit, employment and immigration. Southampton Voluntary Services solinked.org.uk Online directory of help available in local communities. LoveSouthampton lovesouthampton.org.uk Churches working together to support the vulnerable and local food banks. PIPPA helpline 023 8091 7917 pippasouthampton.orgWorking to end domestic and sexual violence.Looking after yourself and others
Get moving
Exercise is important for keeping our body and mind well. Think about what you can do to move more inside. For suggestions on getting active when staying at home you can visit southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Keep your mind active
You can keep your mind active by setting yourself goals for the day – whether it’s finishing a puzzle, texting a friend, or tidying your sock drawer, nothing is too small and completing things will give you a sense of achievement.
Look after your wellbeing
It’s normal to feel a bit anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated about the current situation. Remember - it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too.
Solent Mind helpline
For anyone who is experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing challenges as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. 023 8017 9049 - Mon – Fri, 10am – 2pm (except bank holidays)
Do also contact your GP. Practices are still providing remote consultations via telephone or e-consult and face to face consultations can be arranged in a safe way if needed.
Solent Mind text line
For those in a mental health crisis or emotional distress. You can text ‘LIGHTHOUSE’ and your postcode to 07451 276010 - 4.30pm and 12am. Staff will then contact you via telephone, email, webchat or text.
Samaritans confidential support line
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts you can call 116 123 24 hours a day.
Avoiding COVID-19 scams
Unfortunately, during these difficult times there are many COVID-19 scams circulating, targeting the most vulnerable in our communities. Be aware these scams will try to con you out of money. They may be received by post, email, telephone, text or face to face.
Before you respond to any offer, please remember the Take Five protection advice
• Stop: Don’t be pressurised into sending off money immediately to someone you don’t even know.
• Think: How likely is it that I’ve specially been chosen? Millions of people have probably received the same offer.
• Think again: Always read the offer carefully. Speak to family or friends or seek advice.
If you’re unsure whether something might be a scam, call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. You can report scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.
Talking to your child and answering their questions
Easy read documents and social stories
Mencap - Easy Read guide to Coronavirus
Public Health England have produced an easy read version of their Advice on the coronavirus for places of education. You can download it here
A free resource from Photosymbols, including easy read posters and information