Sheffield Hallam University has hosted a virtual conference to support organisations working with vulnerable children and young people across South Yorkshire during the Covid-19 crisis.
The virtual conference, led by Sheffield Hallam’s social mobility programme South Yorkshire Futures and Sheffield Institute of Education, shared ideas on how the most vulnerable people in the region can be supported through education practice. Topics includedtrauma, poverty, home environments, transitions, bereavement, pupil and staff mental health and wellbeing.
The conference, led by Sue O’Brien of South Yorkshire Futures, was a collaboration with, and included contributions from, organisations including Trauma Informed Schools UK (TIS UK), Save the Children, and the Centre for Education and Youth, as well as key leaders in education from around the South Yorkshire Region.
Participants were also given an early glimpse of education resources being created by South Yorkshire Futures’ early years lead, Sally Pearse, in collaboration with TIS UK to support children and families with anxiety and fear caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.
The resources, which also offer support and advice for teachers and school leaders, are hosted on the South Yorkshire Futures website.
Throughout the event which attracted upwards of 380 on the day, participants were able to connect and share experiences and support each other through sharing resources and work they were individually doing.
Julie Harmieson: Co Director Trauma Informed Schools UK (TIS UK), said: “A great privilege to be involved and so heart-warming and spirit lifting to hear such a commitment to getting it right for both children and the workforce - well done South Yorkshire.”
Sue O’Brien said:“For those of us in education, this crisis has brought into sharp focus, possibly more than ever before, the needs of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society.
“We were delighted so many colleagues were able to join us for the conference. We hope the expertise and insights shared across the morning can go towards supporting those children and young people who need it most at this extremely challenging time and particularly as we transition back into schools and settings reopening.”
You can see the as live Twitter conversations here or by searching for the hashtag #SupportCYP
For more information about the conference visit the South Yorkshire Futures website.
Speakers
Julie Harmieson: Co Director Trauma Informed Schools UK (TIS UK)
Rachel Parkin: Head of North of England at Save the Children UK
Loic Menzies: CEO Centre for Education and Youth
Ian Read: Head Teacher, Watercliffe Meadow Community Primary School, Sheffield
Pepe Di'Iasio: Assistant Director of Education, Rotherham and Head Teacher, Wales High School
Warren Carratt: CEO Nexus Academy Trust
Tom Banham: CEO – HCAT (Hoyland Common Academy Trust)
Teaching School Council - Sub Regional Lead for South Yorkshire
Anne Lowe, Mandy Haddock: Early Years Inclusion Officers, Doncaster
Sally Pearse, Early Years Strategic Lead, South Yorkshire Futures, Sheffield Hallam University
For press information: Contact the Sheffield Hallam University press office on presssoffice@shu.ac.uk.
