Leeds Children's Commissioner calls for schools to open 'as soon as possible' due to mental health

By Alex Evans
Published 25th Jan 2021, 15:14 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2021, 15:18 BST
Schools are expected to be closed long past FebruarySchools are expected to be closed long past February
Schools are expected to be closed long past February
The Children's Commissioner for England, Leeds-based Anne Longfield, has piled pressure on the government to reopen schools sooner, citing the mental health of pupils.

Anne Longfield has said families need “hope and clarity” about what will come next for children’s education.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that schools should open “as soon as possible” and called on ministers to set out at Downing Street press conferences what progress is being made towards reopening.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Longfield warned that the closure of schools has had an “enormous impact” on children – affecting their mental health and widening the gap in learning.

“Children are more withdrawn, they are really suffering in terms of isolation, their confidence levels are falling, and for some there are serious issues.”