Fears some Suffolk children may struggle starting school after pandemic
Its meant many have missed out on socialising with other children
As pupils across Suffolk prepare for their first day at primary school, its feared some don't know how to be around other children because of nursery closures and social distancing during the pandemic.
Fiona Hannah, Clinical Director at Teenage Mental Health, Ipswich, says there will be long term impacts of the pandemic:
"For a four year old, six months is a significant proportion of their life. But if we encourage them and nurture them, they will catch up."
She said schools need to be given more resources and more teaching assistants in classrooms:
"Some children haven't been toilet trained at home. They don't know how to get dressed on their own. They can't put their coat on or their shoes on."
Its also feared some young children may have spent more time with older siblings, and be over-developed or not used to socialising with children their own age.
Parents are being encouraged to teach children basic life skills, and talk over any concerns with teachers.