8 Sept 2021
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International Literacy Day coincides with schools opening in the UK
8 September 2021 - For many children and young people, September marks the beginning of a new academic year. International Literacy Day takes place on 8 September 2021, and Wage Indicator considers how schools are adjusting to reopening their doors without any Covid-19 restrictions or face mask regulations in place.
Across the UK, schools have started to welcome returning children and young people but with the removal of social distancing, classroom bubbles, and face marks no longer obligatory, returning to school looks more like preCovid-19 times. However, uncertainty and anxiety seem to be the prevalent feelings amongst pupils, parents, and teachers alike.
Childline (a free, confidential counselling service for anyone under the age of 19 in the UK) reported how anxiety and concerns around going back to school were frequent discussions on the service, with 441 counselling sessions on back-to-school stress and anxiety.
Uncertainty and anxiety
Rises in confirmed Covid-19 cases are adding to this uncertainty and anxiety. The concern is mounting that a similar pattern to August through September 2020 will unfold, a slow increase at the end of August, then a rapid escalation towards the end of September. Last year, the spread of coronavirus continued and eventually, schools closed for Christmas and did not return until 8 March 2021.
Teachers Union NAHT’s General Secretary of School Leaders, Paul Whitman, raised concerns for continued disruption due to the government’s decision to remove last year’s Covid-19 restrictions without implementing alternative safety measures. Whiteman argued that this move could cause further losses in hours of learning due to more pupils becoming infected and the requirement to self-isolate. The NAHT, therefore, asked the government to create a properly functioning test and trace system and provide additional financial support for schools to improve ventilation. Whitman highlighted how a quick and effective public health response was essential to keep pupils safe and ensure their education is not compromised if cases do rise.
Planning ahead
Whiteman has also called for the government to publish their plans for the 2022 examination season, claiming staff and teachers require this information to effectively plan for this academic year, and students deserve the clarity. Whiteman extended this pressure to the 2023 examination season, highlighting the significant disruption pupil’s education has had since the pandemic began in March 2020. Arguing that such forward-thinking is necessary to avoid consequences similar to the previous two years in which pupils, parents and staff have had little or no clarity regarding the sitting and format of exams or the process to determine their exam grades. Take our Covid-19 survey to learn more
Sources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-58419277
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51768274 https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/charts/uk-government-coronavirus-lockdowns