How class return supports kids

Stevie Goulding, the parents’ helpline manager at children’s mental health charity Young Minds, explains why a return to classroom education is vital for young people’s mental health…

“School is about much more than academic performance. It provides routine, a safe space where young people can talk to adults they trust and a place to be with friends face-to-face.

“Young people tell us that they’ve struggled to cope with the changes and loss of coping mechanisms brought on by the pandemic, with many experiencing anxiety and fears around their future. “Evidence also suggests that vulnerable young people are likely to be particularly affected. It’s crucial that as schools reopen more widely to pupils, there is space for young people to talk about how they’re feeling, and not simply a rush to catch up on the curriculum.

“Children who are struggling with their mental health will benefit from face-to-face support from teachers, school counsellors, school nurses and other staff. Let them know it’s normal to feel a mixture of emotions, that everyone will be in the same boat – and that the current situation won’t last for ever.”