The guidance was published last week by the Department for Education and Skills. It said that some children may be very frightened by news and images of the conflict, and that current events may lead to heightened tension between pupils, parents and staff from different ethnic backgrounds or religions.
The guidance also warned of a 'remote' possibility of a biological attack by terrorists and said that extremist groups in a locality may seek to stir up tensions. However, it also stressed the positive role schools and early years settings could play in helping children.
The document said, 'Schools can help provide accurate information, challenge crude stereotyping and provide a safe environment in which children and young people can explore their understanding and come to terms with their fears.
'Schools should maintain an atmosphere as normal as possible, neither denying recent events nor letting them take over. Teachers know their pupils and are skilled at handling controversial and sensitive topics and ultimately it will be the professional judgement of heads and teachers that ensures schools respond appropriately in the local context.'
The guidance told childcarers and teachers to watch out for signs of children experiencing 'excessive fear', including lacking concentration or showing signs of tiredness or emotional instability. 'Normally cheerful pupils may become tearful, irritable, withdrawn or display other symptoms of stress such as getting involved in quarrels and fights,' it said.
However, if carers and teachers have concerns about a child, parents should be told. Where appropriate, schools should arrange for individual children to receive one-to-one counselling with a suitably qualified person, and seek help from other external sources such as the local education authority, the guidance said.
