Responding to the announcement of the Government’s plans for summer catch-up schools, Daisy Cooper MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Education said: “The Liberal Democrats have been calling on the Government to set out ambitious plans to support young people with both educational and emotional recovery as schools reopen.
“Without this we could see a lost generation, who will feel the impact of the disruption caused by the pandemic, for years to come.
“Government must remember that it isn’t just lessons young people have missed out on through school closures. They have missed time playing and socialising with their friends, spending months cut off from in-person contact with their peers.
“There are widespread reports of the devastating impact this has had on young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Parents will want to know what Government plans will do to help make sure their children rebuild their happiness and confidence as they return to school too. Of course this money is welcome but it is likely to be just a fraction of what is needed.
“Until schools re-open we won’t fully understand how much extra support is required, and in any proposals it is vital that educational and emotional recovery go hand in hand.”