Vandyke Upper Pastoral

04/09/2026

Parent/Carer information from CAPA First Response

04/09/2026

Useful information shared by https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/

17/07/2026

We wish all of our students a safe and happy break. The Safeguarding team (Hannah Sides, DSL and Claire Powell, DDSL) remain contactable on [email protected] throughout the holiday period

16/07/2026

The Wellness Project are offering Teen Yoga Sessions over Summer at The Rocci Treet Studio, Linslade

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592112742123

14/07/2026

When a child says “I can’t go to school,” it isn’t always defiance.

Sometimes it’s a racing heart.
A sore tummy.
A headache that appears every morning.
Tears at the door.
Sleepless nights.
Panic over getting dressed, walking in, or being seen.

School anxiety can become a cycle: worry builds, the body reacts, school is avoided, relief comes for a moment… and then the next day feels even bigger.

The hard part is that avoidance can look like the solution because it calms everything down quickly. But for many children, it quietly teaches the brain that school is unsafe, making returning feel even harder.

What helps isn’t pressure, shame, or “just get on with it.”

What helps is calm curiosity:
“What feels hardest about school right now?”
“Where do you feel the worry in your body?”
“What would make the first step feel smaller?”
“Who at school could help you feel safe?”

Small steps matter. A short visit. A trusted adult at the gate. A reduced timetable if needed. A predictable morning routine. Celebrating getting through one tiny part of the day.

Children with school anxiety need adults who can hold two truths at once:

Your distress is real.
And we can help you move through it, one manageable step at a time.

FREE THE SCHOOL ANXIETY CYCLE: CHILD SCHOOL AVOIDANCE PDF

LIKE the photo and comment "SCHOOL" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

13/07/2026

Community Access Service Drop-In available to all parents and young people

10/07/2026

SKIPS - Keeping Children Safe Online

10/07/2026

Tactic Youth Centre , Leighton Buzzard - Summer Programme

03/07/2026

Young Minds - Parent Support

We offer tailored information, advice and support to parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. You can speak to us over the phone, or chat to us online.

You can use our Helpline service if you are the parent or main carer of a child or young person aged 25 or under. Our service is available across the UK. It is free and confidential.

03/07/2026

Supporting Progressing Families (SPF) Programme

Supporting & Progressing Families is a 4-week parenting programme aimed at parents and carers of children aged 9 years and above.

SPF is based on the philosophy of non-violent resistance (NVR), which focuses on strengthening family relationships and reducing conflict through calm, consistent responses. The programme offers parents and carers the chance to explore a range of practical tools and techniques to support more positive interactions with their child.

Throughout the sessions, parents and carers will explore parental self-care, develop their presence with their child or young person, and learn strategies for de-escalation. The programme provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space to reflect on challenges, identify support, and build stronger, more connected relationships.

The programme is delivered by trained facilitators and is free to attend for parents and carers within Central Bedfordshire. Sessions are held online via Microsoft Teams.

Supporting and Progressing Families Programme. A 4-week virtual course for parents and carers.