Full findings have been published here.
Headline findings: In summary, primary school staff perceive that gaps in learning, health and wellbeing have increased and inequalities have widened during school closures.
Over 200 primary school staff participated in an online survey to explore the impacts of school closures on the health, wellbeing and education of pupils. Based on these findings, we developed five recommendations for current and future education provision:
1) Prioritise the health and wellbeing of both pupils and staff; this includes more focus on wellbeing activities and less focus on attainment and assessments during the return to school and protecting staff breaks to promote workplace wellbeing.
“There might be a push on rushing straight back into learning at a fast pace where I think the health and wellbeing needs to be the main focus” (higher level teaching assistant)
2) Focus on enabling effective parental engagement and explore all avenues to increase parental engagement including introducing support sessions, helplines and regular check ins during periods of home learning.
“Possibly meetings with parents, to offer support and guidance in regards to best way to support their child at home. Opportunities for parents to access live feeds with teachers – if only to reassure and encourage” (year 4 teacher)
3) Build digital competence amongst pupils, teachers and parents; for example, by ensuring both the provision of equipment and training in building digital skills and offer a combination of paper-based and digital home learning activities.
“Ensure that teachers have training in blended learning and that the approach is consistent across the school” (year 6 teacher)
4) Consider opportunity for smaller class sizes and additional staffing which will ensure support is directed to need whilst providing pastoral care.
“Support in regards to mental health and wellbeing, possibly reduced class sizes, extra support for pastoral care and to help catch up” (year 4 teacher)
5) Improve the mechanism of communication between schools and families, and between government
and schools.
“Consult teachers before making decisions and let schools know their plans before announcements to the public” (year 3 teacher)
To read the full report, please download here: