NAHT comments on NFER findings that recovery plan must support mental health needs of children

Today (14 July) the National Foundation for Educational Research publishes a report based on interviews with school leaders about the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of children and young people.

Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “School leaders are deeply concerned about the impact the pandemic has had on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Wellbeing must be at the heart of the recovery plans, as identified by NAHT in our seven-point recovery blueprint, so it must be properly funded. Schools need this funding so that they can provide the support that their pupils need.

“There will be children and young people for whom the impact of the pandemic has created more serious levels of concern. These pupils may need additional, more targeted support and they will likely need more specialist help from health or social care services. These services were stretched before the pandemic and government must ensure their capacity is increased. It is vital that schools are able to access that support for their pupils quickly and that there is help available for parents too.”

Education Recovery – a blueprint for a stronger and fairer system for all can be read here:

https://www.naht.org.uk/RD/education-recovery