Impact of pandemic on children's development revealed
A report has looked at how coronavirus has affected early years, primary and secondary education in Hampshire
Children having to learn from home and miss out on either school or nursery due to the pandemic are not developing as fast as previous year groups, according to a report.
Hampshire County Council has published an assessment of early years, primary and secondary education ahead of a select committee next week.
The report claims that youngsters who have missed out on school education during the Covid-19 lockdowns are experiencing a delayed development – particularly in younger years.
In the report, primary and early years education manager, Eric Halton, said: "Available evidence suggests that changes in access to early child education and care has had an impact on pre-school children in a number of ways, including social, emotional and behavioural development and mental health, physical development and school readiness.
"School settings in Hampshire are reporting that our youngest children were not as ‘school ready’ as in pre-Covid years.
"Aspects of child development, delayed through a lack of sufficient exposure to educational experiences, cannot simply be added in through ‘catch up’ without the supporting environment of the right physical resources and activities."
Without exams such as SATs and no moderated teacher assessments, there has been little in the way of measurement for student progress
But the report states that anecdotal evidence and early national studies suggest attainment has already fallen, particularly in transitional years such as Year 2 and Year 6 – and more so in homes that faced significant home disruption, with multiple children and/or parents working from home.
A similar impact has also been noted in secondary schools, although regular assessment has still continued.
The general consensus is still forming, but all signs point towards a natural drop in attainment.
Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for children, families and education, Cllr Suzy Horton, said schools must focus on filling the gaps in children’s personal development.
She said: "This report reinforces the fact that early years education is so important in getting children off to a good start.
‘It’s critical now that we investigate, then instigate changes – this pandemic has impacted children right across the county."