Issue - meetings

This report summarises the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic two years after its first effects on BCP schools and examines the possible legacy in terms of: 

·       Attendance 

·       Pupil and staff mental health and well-being 

·       Academic progress and any learning deficits likely to continue. 

In addition, the paper asks Members to note the ongoing impact of the virus and recommends that they note and support the proposed approach to managing Long Covid, in the attached draft policy. 

The Service Manager Schools & Provider Standards 0-19 from the Education and Skills Directorate presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report summarised the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic two years after its first effects on BCP schools and examines the possible legacy in terms of: 

·       Attendance 

·       Pupil and staff mental health and well-being

·       Academic progress and any learning deficits likely to continue.

The Committee discussed the report and comments were made, including:

·       In response to a query about the differing impacts Covid could have had on young people, and could anything be done to track those most impacted, the Committee was advised that a lot of work had been done in this area and the suffering to children was what teachers and staff most cared about, close attention had been paid to Children in  Need, Children in Care, those with EHCPs, virtual school attendees and those who had been attending schools.  Schools had been provided with reports to show Ofsted what they had managed to do however it was noted that assessment and testing had continued as normal this year with no consideration given to the impacts highlighted above

·       The impact of long covid on pupils was also highlighted as having a negative impact on a child’s education as they needed time to rest.

·       The Committee was advised that communication with the Department for Education about what had been done and advised that education boards had done equality impact assessments but aside from placing exams further apart, not much further work had been done in this area

·       In response to a query from a Member of Youth Parliament regarding mental health issues and anxiety, the Committee was advised that most schools had a mentoring programme in place to support those children and it was acknowledged that it varied greatly on the impact Covid had had and therefore the support required to the pupils and their families.  It was noted that this support was being provided to children who sought it and by schools reaching out to children they felt were in need

·       The Committee was advised about the work done by the Children and Young People’s partnership board which focused on supporting pupils next steps in education and events to help improve self confidence in face to face interactions

·       The Committee was advised by an MYP of feedback from a forum about the differing support provided by schools and the possible link to pupil grades, the Committee was advised that over the last two years grades had not been an issue in schools and the unfairness in the system was highlighted and schools looked hard at what pupils were missing and were focused on education, mental health and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

·       In response to a concern about schools prioritising attendance and the issues that presented including achievable grades, university applications and job prospects, the Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14