Commenting as the Sutton Trust set out their priorities for the education recovery plan, calling for early years to be at the heart of recovery, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“It is clear that the pandemic has had an impact on young children, and we agree that the early years must be a priority for recovery.

“Children who start school already behind often find it difficult, even impossible, to catch up later, even with additional help. A good way to mitigate the damage caused by coronavirus for young children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is by investing in early years education and family services.

“It is of critical importance that the government’s education recovery plan takes into account more than just academic 'catch-up'. While physical and language development is a concern, this survey shows that parents are most concerned about the negative impact of lockdown on their child’s social and emotional development, from not being able to play with other children. It is vital that we leave time for children to play and socialise again and to heal in this way rather than overwhelming them with additional learning.

“Schools must be given the flexibility to focus their efforts on what they know works best for recovery and to address wellbeing as well as academic concerns. The government needs to listen to the profession on recovery and get it right, or they risk doing more harm than good.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk