School Holidays - Network ('Neckwork') Review

As half-term holiday is imminent for children in schools, it seemed a good time to support children with a network review. Many often name a parent/adult at home, and then four adults in school. A quick reminder that they won't be at school for about 9 days prompted thoughts of who can be on their network until after the school holiday.

To turn it into an interactive activity for the youngest year groups, we looked at a handful of Bear Cards (several who looked to be feeling safe, and one who quite clearly looked to be feeling unsafe). The children agreed which bears looked to be feeling safe and which one felt unsafe. Focusing on the unsafe looking bear, we talked about what Early Warning Signs he might be experiencing. The children then made little A5 cards with a soft foam stick on gingerbread shape and wrote some EWS around the edge. Finally, I asked what they could do if they felt unsafe in the holidays? .... One group was thinking about the answer, and to help them along, I held up my hand asking the question again and wriggling my fingers as a clue.....One little girl suddenly realised the answer and jumping in her chair enthusiastically, she exclaimed "NECKWORK!!!"

...and yes, she and her friends then reviewed their 'neckworks' for the upcoming school break

Judith

Sounds fab to me Judith and reminds me of the children who do not choose to put an 'adult at home' on the thumb of their network. Like you I also think it is important to remember to remind children that anyone based in school may not be available during the holidays so having a non-term time network could perhaps be the answer. This can highlight people in the local community who could be 'safe' network people - for me people based in children's centres can often fill some of these gaps. And then there are the emergency contacts we keep tucked up our sleeve whilst not forgetting at times we may need to come up with a instant network person - sounds a bit like perhaps 'Going on a Bear Hunt'. Would love to hear how we could adapt the words to that children's classic :lol:
Here's to a Happy and Safe Holiday x