10.4.4 Support for learning

10.4.4 Support for learning

Schools reported that they provided good support for the learning of pupils and students who could not be physically present in school because they were at very high risk of contracting COVID-19

Almost all principals of primary schools, post-primary schools and special schools with pupils and students who were at very high risk of contracting COVID-19, who responded to the December 2020 surveys, reported that they had measures in place to ensure that these pupils and students could continue their learning. In general, survey responses indicated that this support was provided by class teachers/subject teachers, special educational needs teachers, and by teachers who were themselves working from home because they were designated to be at very high risk of contracting COVID-19.

Addressing gaps in learning due to school closures was, and continues to be, a challenge for schools

Addressing gaps in learning, as a result of the lengthy period of school closures, was reported by principals as a significant challenge for schools. This was particularly the case for pupils and students with SEN. Issues identified by teachers and pupils/students also related to the facilitation of collaborative learning. In some cases, it was reported that the repurposing of practical rooms led to difficulties in the implementation of practical aspects of some subjects.

In focus group discussions, pupils and students expressed anxiety about being ‘left behind’, not being able to ‘catch up’ and having gaps in their learning. While the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the wellbeing resources that they provided during the pandemic were of valuable support to schools, it will be important for schools and for the system to continue to acknowledge this anxiety, and to put measures in place to ensure that pupils and students are supported sufficiently to overcome the unique challenges posed by the pandemic.

It is also vital that schools continue to identify where the most significant gaps in provision for pupils and students have occurred during the pandemic, and put in place action plans to address these gaps. This can be facilitated with the support of the additional resources provided by the Department, such as the COVID Learning and Support Scheme (CLASS) to mitigate the adverse impact of COVID-19 on pupil/ student learning and wellbeing. Provision for the most vulnerable pupils and students must be to the fore in this planning process.