Question

Back to school after lockdown essay

Answer 1

Answer:

The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown is an unprecedented situation in modern times. It is hard to gauge the full impact that the situation is having on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Pupils’ experiences of the lockdown period will have been very varied. For some, it will mostly have been a safe and enjoyable time. For others, it will have been challenging or traumatic. Schools and teachers are used to supporting their pupils through challenges that they face in life – the current situation will amplify those situations many times over.

This short guide aims to:

Outline the scale of the challenge that schools and pupils are facing.

Provide practical advice, activities and support.

Explanation:

This section of our guide on returning to school after the coronavirus lockdown breaks down a range of challenges for schools and pupils.

As teachers and school leaders, you will likely be aware of the complex and traumatic experiences that their pupils may have had during the lockdown period. However, it is worth laying out the full range of challenges schools face as pupils return, to underscore the need for patience, flexibility and support for the staff managing the transition back to school.

Although we have limited experience and evidence in responding to a situation of this magnitude, the evidence we do have suggests that when schools reopen, the need for pastoral support, safeguarding and wellbeing services will be high. Some of the particular challenges are outlined in more detail below:

Loss and bereavement

Challenging experiences at home

Inequalities

Uncertainty

Transitions

Friendships and bullying

Safer at home