Education Professionals
We're Here to Offer Support
We know that supporting children with long term, fluctuating, health conditions, including Long Covid, can be challenging. Our team offers expert advice and signposting to ensure that educators have the ability to develop their provision for individual children more effectively, whether they are in the classroom, learning from home or in an alternative setting.
Our aim is to support you in creating more inclusive environments that will enable children struggling with Long Covid to access an appropriate education that best suits their needs.
How to Support a Child with Long Covid in your Class
Educators play a vital role in supporting children and their families. You are often the first to notice changes and can provide crucial support.
To help you to support children in your class, we have put together an Educational Toolkit. Developed by our senior expert team, including Educational Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, key stakeholders and young people and families with lived experience.
Guidance, videos, and case studies on:
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Understanding Long Covid
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Individual Support Strategies
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Legal Responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 (UK)
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Video Description: Amira felt pressure from some teachers to go back to school full-time and said she doesn't think they understand the effect that Long Covid can have.
Clips are from the Hexi Health Experiences Insights website, courtesy of the University of Oxford.
What Adjustments can I make?
Resonable adjustments may include:
Rest Breaks
Quiet Learning
Areas
Exit Cards
A buddy to carry
equipment
Later Start
Times
Timetable
Adjustments
Hybrid Learning
Reduced Timetables
Please Note: Some children may be too unwell to attend school and require medical tuition, part-time provision or time to focus on recovery. Our Cautious Tortoise flowchart can guide return-to-school decision-making.
Video Description: Amal's teachers and friends had never heard of PoTS but were 'very supportive'.
Clips are from the Hexi Health Experiences Insights website, courtesy of the University of Oxford.
Video Description: Evie (age 15) said that her brain fog made it harder for her to take things in and focus in her school lessons. She struggled to do her homework because of low energy levels.
Clips are from the Hexi Health Experiences Insights website, courtesy of the University of Oxford.
Video Description: Abigail (13 years old) said her school was 'very on top of' ways to help her manage her Long Covid. She was allowed to leave class, including P.E., if she needed a break. She had an early lunch pass to avoid standing in a queue.
Clips are from the Hexi Health Experiences Insights website, courtesy of the University of Oxford.
Further Information
Children and young people struggling with their mental health due to Long Covid.
Read how schools have successfully supported pupils with Long Covid:
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Example: Headteacher Steve, Oxfordshire Hospital School
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Twinkl blog collaboration with LCK
Explore examples of flexible attendance, hybrid learning, and inclusive medical tuition strategies.
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Children with Long Covid often face pain, fatigue, loss of routine, and disconnection. Wellbeing support should be part of a whole-school approach.
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See our guide: Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Wellbeing
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Learn about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing
View physical activity guidance via Long Covid Physio
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Reducing COVID transmission in school supports attendance, wellbeing, and cognition:
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Clean Air Campaign
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HEPA Filtration Evidence
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Unions & the SAMHE project
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The Cosi-Rosenthal Foundation
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Clean Air For Kids
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Families of children with chronic conditions may face suspicion or inappropriate FII concerns. Read our guidance: Understanding FII and Chronic Illness.
Remember, recovery timelines vary, no licensed treatment currently exists, and management focuses on symptom relief.
Effective support involves collaboration:
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Share our resources with SENCOs, SLT, family support staff, and school nurses.
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Develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs).
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Consider referrals to Educational Psychologists or Occupational Therapists.
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Keep a record of any changes in a child’s health and behaviour.
Ensure the child has:
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Accessed medical services or Long Covid clinics
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Been referred to a paediatrician, school nurse, or specialist fatigue/OT services. The name and availability of appropriate services will vary.
Local Authority Medical Tuition: Contact your EWO and SEN 0–25 team to explore options if a child is too unwell to attend school.
Refer to these key documents outlining statutory responsibilities.
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