Throughout the pandemic, the return to school for children was the cause of much controversy. Whilst the physical health risks were clear, the absence of socialising, structure and study was proving to be a psychological health risk of its own.
Children in England have now been back in full time, compulsory education since the beginning of September and the rise in referrals that were predicted by local authorities, schools and agencies are beginning to materialise.

Whilst schools have been closed during lockdown, many opportunities to support vulnerable children have been missed due to them being ‘under the radar’ from services that usually monitor. School staff play a pivotal role in identifying neglect and other forms of abuse and raising welfare concerns to social work teams.

Local Authorities warned central government back in June 2020, that without additional support, services would struggle to cope with demand and that added pressure could mean that families that are usually supported by a social worker could end up suffering.
In attempt to ensure that disadvantaged pupils return to their academic potential, a catch-up programme has been developed to help both students and teachers get back to where they were before lockdown.

To tackle the surge in referrals, 20 local authorities have now signed up to a pilot project that will see social workers placed in schools. The aim of the project is to reduce the number of children that need to be referred for Child Protection and Child in Need services and enquiries. This will also focus on whether this project promotes better inter-agency working between schools and the children’s social care system.

This project along with others, will help us to protect our most vulnerable children throughout this pandemic. It will also enable Local Authorities, other organisations, and recruitment agencies to understand how best to support schools in the future by sourcing and placing appropriate resources and staff. This is intended to ensure that disadvantaged children are not negatively impacted by coronavirus for years to come.

From the team here at Select Social Care