The Government has announced an extra £400 million of funding to help pupils make up lost learning time following months of school closures.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said:
“This funding is a welcome step. It recognises the impact of the lockdown on vulnerable children, who are now even further behind at school compared with their better off peers. Barnardo’s has long been calling for a 'recovery premium' to support disadvantaged pupils, so we are pleased to see this in the Government’s plans. We also welcome the investment in support for babies and toddlers, whose language development has suffered due to the lack of support.
“However, given children’s exposure to unprecedented levels of trauma, loss and adversity during the pandemic, it is vital that when they do return to school, they receive support with mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, 'summer classes' must not just be about academic catch-up, but also about giving children space to play, re-connect with friends and build their resilience. We know from our frontline work across the country, that if trauma and other challenges are not addressed, vulnerable children are not able to thrive in the classroom.
“It will take time for both staff and pupils to readjust, so schools should be encouraged to use at least a term as a ‘readjustment period’ where they can be flexible with the curriculum and work through the emotional effects of the pandemic. In the longer term, the Government should use the pandemic as a catalyst for rebalancing the whole education system, so that children’s wellbeing is on a par with academic achievement.”