Teachers concerned about impact of Covid-19 on children’s mental health and wellbeing

The report, ‘New Term, New Challenges, New Opportunities’, is based on a recent survey of 167 education professionals across the North carried out by the children’s charity.

The survey asked respondents for their views on the impact of lockdown, the return to school, and opportunities for change.

It aimed to find out more about schools’ experiences of supporting pupils during the pandemic, and respondents’ thoughts and concerns about the return to the classroom - including the challenges that schools are facing and what help they will need to support the mental health and wellbeing of pupils as they return for the new school year.

Nearly 90 per cent of respondents thought that the pandemic was likely to have an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of pupils

More than 80 per cent said there was a need for increased funding to support mental health and wellbeing.

The majority of respondents also said they would be prioritising mental health and wellbeing on the return to school.

One local head teacher said the full extent of the damage wont be known until children return to school.

Pupils in year eight and year 12 are due to return to school on August 24, with all remaining pupils starting on August 31.

Garry Matthewson, Principal of Holy Family Primary School, said: “We really won’t know the full extent of the damage that has been caused, until we have every child back to school and have the opportunity to re-establish, reconnect and develop those relationships again. That will be the real challenge.

“We know that for some children, this pandemic has been immensely difficult and we are very keen to get them all back to school safely.”

Julie Healy, Head of Programmes at Barnardo’s NI, said children’s mental health must be put at the ‘heart of education’.

“For many children, school is their lifeline, their safe space, and going back to school will offer vital support. We believe the return to school cannot focus solely on academic achievement, especially given what we know about the importance of mental health and wellbeing to children’s ability to learn.

“Schools cannot take on this challenge alone though, and support and guidance from our Government will be crucial.”

The charity has called for the mental health and wellbeing of pupils to be prioritised in the recovery curriculum.

“We’d also like to see clear, child-centred guidance developed in consultation with schools, and increased investment for mental health support in schools. This is a real opportunity to improve outcomes for children.”