Schools across the UK are facing significant challenges in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, with an increase in mental health issues among pupils and growing pressures on resources for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
Schools across the UK are facing mounting challenges in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with a surge in mental health issues among pupils and increasing pressures on educational resources due to the rise in students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In Wales, Ysgol John Bright secondary school in Llandudno has reported a significant increase in self-harming behaviors among students, alongside spikes in anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders. The school has observed a growing number of pupils persistently absent from classes, with Millie Jones, who oversees the inclusion zone, highlighting the rising challenges such as social anxiety among students.
Adding to the concerns, Labour MP Daniel Zeichner revealed that schools in Cambridge and potentially wider are struggling with an increasing demand for support for SEND pupils, both financially and in terms of staffing. In Parliament, education minister David Johnston recognized the need for additional funding in Cambridgeshire for special educational needs, amidst discussions around potential reforms and the importance of personalized support for children through education health and care plans (EHCP).
The situation is further exacerbated by criticism from former education catch-up tsar, Sir Kevan Collins, who labeled the UK government’s response to educational recovery post-pandemic as “pathetic.” Collins, who resigned over a funding dispute, had proposed a £12.5 billion recovery package, which received only partial funding. His comments underscore the urgent need for significant investment in educational recovery to address the long-term impacts of the pandemic on young learners.
In response to the escalating mental health issues, the Welsh government has allocated £13.6 million to support schools in implementing wellbeing programs. Despite the Department for Education stating they have invested £5 billion in education recovery, including tutoring and support for disadvantaged pupils through the National Tutoring Programme, concerns persist over the adequacy of support and funding to address the profound educational and psychological ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people across the UK.
