This page is one of a suite of pages to support families learning at home during Covid-19. We hope this page helps you to keep your child grounded and on task.

Tips from the Citywest ETNS Additional Needs Assistants

The ANAs in our school have lots of experience in keeping children to task, in recognising when they need a break and in organising that break. We asked them for some tips for parents and here is what they have come up with so far. We hope it helps!

  1. Use a timer - children react well to being given a set number of minutes for a task and it gives them a good focus.
  2. Set up a daily routine - children like to see what is next on the plan. If its not working out as the day goes on, you can always adjust it.
  3. With any task, start small e.g. get 5 minutes of work done and have a reward such as a choice of activity. Once that routine is established, you can build on the length of time they are asked to work for.
  4. When a child feels like it is their choice, they are more likely to be willing to cooperate e.g. the adult chooses two pieces of work that can be done and let the child choose which one to do.
  5. Limit the child's time on social media as much as possible - there are a lot of negative stories out there and children are not equipped to process them.
  6. Let children have a video call with their friends - they could play with their toys while chatting or even do it at lunch time so they can share a virtual lunch together!
  7. If the child is feeling stressed or worried, acknowledge it, talk about it and then move on. Don't dwell on it.
  8. Try not to stress about small things and try not to react to negative behaviour as much as possible.
  9. Here are some visual supports you may find useful.


If the child is getting stressed during a task, you can:
  1. Just stop the activity for now
  2. Tell them they only have a couple of minutes left - refer back to the timer
  3. Change to a different subject or topic
  4. Take a brain break e.g. go for a walk


All of these also work if the adult is feeling stressed too, or you could just walk away!

Finally, please remember that this is a huge adjustment for everyone and everyone is just finding their feet. Be kind to each other!
As part of the school day our ANAs often take pupils on movement breaks to help with regulation. 
Studies have shown that movement will help children maintain attention and concentrate more effectively.
Why not encourage your child to try out some of these exercises during the day!

    If your child works with an ANA, please feel free to send them a message!

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