Pupils' mental health more important than academic work when schools reopen, say charities

Teachers must prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of pupils when they return to school instead of focusing on catching up academically, leading children’s charities said today.

Sam Royston, of the Children’s Society, said: “A safe return to school should be a top priority for the Government, but once back in the classroom, children’s wellbeing and safety must be prioritised alongside catching up on their education.”

Although some vulnerable children had the opportunity to go to school during lockdown alongside key workers’ children, some of the most hard-to-reach pupils did not attend.

There are fears that many children will not have picked up a pen or book for six months. Headteachers are bracing themselves for an influx of children needing counselling or feeling anxious after a traumatic lockdown.