Northern Ireland

Schools will need government help with vulnerable children when they return, charity warns

Half of the parents who took part in research by Adoption UK said their child was experiencing emotional distress and anxiety during the lockdown
Half of the parents who took part in research by Adoption UK said their child was experiencing emotional distress and anxiety during the lockdown Half of the parents who took part in research by Adoption UK said their child was experiencing emotional distress and anxiety during the lockdown

SCHOOLS will need additional funding to help children who struggle most when they return to classrooms, a charity has said.

Half of the parents who took part in research by Adoption UK said their child was experiencing emotional distress and anxiety during the lockdown.

Around a third said they were experiencing an increase in violence, or aggression, from their child.

The charity said children with experience of care were among the most vulnerable due to their traumatic start in life.

To find out about the impact of school closures, it ran a UK-wide survey for parents and carers.

Previous Adoption UK research revealed that adopted children, on average, achieved significantly less well in exams than their peers and were more likely to have a range of higher-level learning needs.

Education policy advisor Rebecca Brooks said these young people had traumatic life experiences that could make learning and mental health "a herculean struggle during normal times, let alone during a global pandemic".

"School closures and lockdown are exacerbating learning and emotional problems, including an increase in violent behaviour. Schools are struggling to support their pupils with highest needs," she said.

"This is why we're urging the governments across the UK to provide schools with the funding they will desperately need to help these children with their return to school - supporting not only their learning, but also their wellbeing."

The report also showed that some families were thriving.

Around half said their family relationships were improving and the same proportion of those parenting secondary-aged pupils said their children were calmer.