Coronavirus Resources for Schools

We hope that you find the following resources helpful as we all adjust to new ways of working. We will continue to post new resources on this page so please check back regularly.

Urgent enquiries: 01392 294 950 (to be diverted to a member of the team)
General enquiries: email
Twitter feed: @EdCofEDevon


Talking to Children about CoronavirusTalking to Children about Coronavirus

The British Psychological Society’s Division of Educational and Child Psychology (DECP) has published tips for schools, parents and carers dealing with the unprecedented school closures.


Supporting Families IconSupporting Families

Devon and Torbay Mental Health Teams in School have pulled together a number of resources for schools to share with families.

If you still have a Devon Child in Care on roll, please see the letter and guidance circulated to your school for your information.

Schools may also find the following guide useful in supporting the mental health and well-being of pupils and students during periods of disruption:

MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults. Click here….

In addition, JKP Books have produced a number of free online resources:

Happy Families, Happy Futures programme is designed to improve communication and ease tension between parents or carers, supporting a happy environment for their children. Find out more….

Other resources include:

Biteback have produced a simple shopping list along with some ideas for a balanced meals. Providing families with ideas on how to spend the £15 free school meal voucher and make it go further. Find out more….


RE Home Learning Icon

Educational Resources

  • The Department for Education have produced an initial list of online educational resources to help children who are being home educated. There is support and resources for pupils of all ages. Find out more….
  • Pearson are providing schools with free access to a range of teaching and learning resources. To access these resources you will need to complete the online request form:

Supporting Families IconSchool Admissions Appeals

  • The government has introduced new regulations (the 2021 regulations) so the temporary arrangements now apply until 30 September 2021. Please contact your LA for advice on the revised timetable and arrangements for admission appeals. For more information please visit the Gov.uk website.
  • Faith Based Criteria – Own Admission Authorities: As you are aware churches are currently closed and therefore this will create a difficultly in measuring church attendance for admission applications. The Diocese has been working nationally with colleagues and the OSA to find a solution which may be for each admission authority to seek a variation to their arrangements. It is proposed that this is co-ordinated through each Diocese. Please can you contact us if you want to discuss further or to seek a variation which will be worded to exclude church attendance at this time. Contact Christina Mabin if you have any queries.

 RE Home Learning IconResources

  • School Exclusion Risks after Covid-19: A report that looks at potential new and heightened risks for school exclusions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Find out more….
  •  Mental Health and Wellbeing: A list of useful mental health and wellbeing resources. In particular we would like to draw your attention to Barry Carpenter and Matthew Carpenter’s Recovery Curriculum which sums up many of the key considerations you will need to provide in September.

Information for Governing Bodies iconInformation for Governing Bodies

  • Please continue to direct enquiries to Christina Mabin. The National Governance Association (NGA) is producing regular advice and guidance for school governing bodies. Please visit the NGA website to find out more.
  • The DfE have now published a Covid-19 Governance Update providing the latest departmental and government  advice on the spread of this virus, and how this relates to the role of those on governing and trust boards and clerks / governance professionals. Please visit the gov.uk website to find out more.

RE Home Learning IconTraining Opportunities and Resources for Teaching Staff

  • The South West Teaching School Alliance CPD Portal lists a good selection of free CPD available to for staff
  • Laura Tsabet has created a list of free CPD opportunities.
  •  Church of England Foundation for Education Leadership are offering open network sessions this term for school leaders. All virtual network sessions will run from 10-11am. Find out more….
  •  Fiveways Devon have produced a Reflective Tool for School Leaders Leaving Lockdown, to support schools in this unique time in education.
  • The EEF’s rapid evidence review examines the potential impact of schools closures on the attainment gap, based on a systematic search of existing literature. Click here. The report notes that parental engagement in children’s learning and the quality of the home learning environment are associated with improved academic outcomes at all ages. The effectiveness of strategies will differ by age group. For example, in primary schooling, shared book reading and linked activities such as building vocabulary and practising spellings are valuable, while in secondary schools parents can support children to read independently and create study routines. EEF resources for schools on supporting parents during school closures are available here.