Our children's welfare is just as vital as academic achievement - the YEP says

We’ve all struggled to try and make sense of what is happening. But it has been especially tough on our children.

The impact has been profound.

Many have struggled to understand why their schools closed and why they could no longer see their grandparents, extended family or their friends.

Loneliness in lockdown is just one of the many problems that have continued to impact the mental health of young people.

While our city’s children are now working to claw back lost time in the classroom, the damage goes far beyond their educational needs.

Supporting the wellbeing of our young people has to be central to the Government’s response.

And that is why Barnardo’s is absolutely right to call on education chiefs to rebalance the education system and put welfare on par with academic achievement.

We need to make sure we learn the lesson to put their welfare first.

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