90% of teachers anticipate rise in pupil mental health concerns
Research has found that in recent months, nine out of 10 teachers (90%) believe that schools will see a rise in pupil mental health concerns as students adapt to school life after six months at home.
The ongoing research from specialist education insurer Ecclesiastical shows that 62% feel that pupil stress and anxiety will be the biggest challenge schools will face due to COVID-19 when returning in September.
Unsurprisingly, 72% of teachers feel anxious about returning to school themselves in September, with the main concerns revolving around the risks of COVID-19. However half (50%) are worried about pupil behaviour, 48% are concerned about the extra workload and 27% feel out of practice. Ninety four percent are concerned about pupil anxiety.
Not all teachers feel their pupils have had enough support. Only half (50%) say their school provided additional, remote COVID-19-related wellbeing support in the form of more regular calls/virtual meetings with staff. However, 42% say their school is planning this in the form of additional training for staff on managing mental health issues.
Parental support has been forthcoming, however, with 79% reporting having felt supported by parents during lockdown. Fewer (65%) felt helped by the government.
As much as 61% of teachers expect to see an increase in home-schooling after the lockdown but 94% said they would welcome parental involvement in their children’s schooling. Some 69% think that teachers will face more pressure from parents for greater personalisation as a result of home-schooling during lockdown.
The survey was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by OnePoll with 500 primary and secondary school teachers from 10th – 20th August 2020.
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