The Times: ‘Generation Covid’ tag risks blighting resilient children

Twenty three per cent of primary pupils were at school last week, an increase of one percentage point from the week before

Twenty three per cent of primary pupils were at school last week, an increase of one percentage point from the week before

A leading head teacher has said that labelling children the Covid generation is “catastrophising” and blighting them.

Richard Sheriff, president of the Association of School and College Leaders, called for pupils not to be stigmatised in the coming years and for them to be given the “real currency” of proper qualifications, not “chocolate money”. He told the House of Lords’ Covid-19 select committee that the pandemic had had a positive impact on education in many ways, with some children thriving.

A survey, however, showed that teachers had seen a downturn in behaviour since the start of the crisis.

Separate Research by Teach First found that a third of parents had at least one child with no exclusive use of an electronic device for schoolwork, despite the government distributing more than 900,000 tablets and laptops.

Schools in England are open only to vulnerable children and those of key workers, with the numbers creeping up each week. Figures published yesterday showed that 16 per cent of state school pupils were in class on February 4, up from 15 per cent the week before.

To read the full article (paywall): ‘Generation Covid’ tag risks blighting resilient children

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