Many children returning to work in the next two weeks face a 'mountain of work' that will be 'almost impossible to complete' according to parents . Having studied at home for the past half term, some have expressed concerns about home learning and acknowledgment, whilst the provision has expanded with DfE requirements, there are still questions about how pupils will be greeted on their return.
The British Psychological Society says children's wellbeing should be the focus. Dr Dan O'Hare, co-chair of the BPS division of educational and child psychology, says it is 'absolutely understandable' parents are concerned children have 'been missing out on many aspects of their formal education'.
With pressure on teachers to account for attainment across primary and secondary schools this summer, some pupils may also fear assessment. Looming high on the horizon will be the expectation of reporting to parents and, even if statutory assessments have been shelved until the next academic year, schools will still have to find some form of evidence in which to record progress and set targets for the future.