Holyrood probe into impact of COVID-19 on Scots children

The impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on Scots children is to be examined by MSPs, it has been announced.
Clare Adamson convenes Holyrood's education committeeClare Adamson convenes Holyrood's education committee
Clare Adamson convenes Holyrood's education committee

MSPs on the education committee will take evidence from teachers, as well as children whose "futures have changed beyond imagination."

Schools have been shut down with the overwhelming majority of Scotland’s children being home schooled, while the national exams diet has also been axed for the first time ever as a result of the outbreak.

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The wellbeing of children in poverty, those with additional support needs and those monitored for child protection reasons are being looked at.

Vulnerable children and those of key workers are still attending school and the committee is keen to assess which children are getting free school meals they are entitled to.

Convener, Clare Adamson said: “We have seen the people of Scotland respond as never before to the challenges we all currently face. We have seen communities come together in support of each other and friends and families connect in new ways.

“But we cannot ignore the impact that the current measures will be having on some of the most vulnerable children. Those living in poverty and deprivation as well as those with additional support needs may not be getting the support and services they most desperately need. Our Committee wants to find out what more needs to be done to ensure that none of these children’s needs are missed as a result of this crisis.

“We also cannot forget for some young people, it feels like their futures have changed beyond imagination. There is uncertainty and fear about what the cancellation of the 2020 exams means for them.”

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