The UK Covid-19 inquiry has revealed that the government began planning for school closures just one day before implementing the decision in March 2020.
It’s evident to all educators that the effects of pandemic lockdowns have had a far-reaching effect on children and young people. The next stage of the inquiry is set to focus on this impact.
Over the next four weeks, the inquiry will investigate educational disruption, children’s mental health and social development during isolation, impacts on physical health and healthcare access, experiences with conditions like long Covid, and changes to professional services.
Investigators will also explore potential connections between the pandemic and current high school absence rates, and why vulnerable children rarely attended school during the first lockdown.
Former Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said in his written evidence that, having previously focused entirely on keeping schools open without contingency plans, the sudden decision to close them took place within 24 hours on the day before it happened. Governments in Wales and Scotland also admitted to limited preparations being made for school closures.
Young people’s evidence
The inquiry has gathered testimonies from 18,000 children and young people. It reveals concerning stories about their experiences, including children spending 19 hours daily playing video games and young offenders confined to cells with only 45 minutes outside time.
Chair of the inquiry, Baroness Hallett, said the effect of the pandemic on children was “severe and, for many, long-lasting”.
The inquiry will hear more evidence throughout October.
Reference
- One day of planning went into Covid school closures, inquiry hears.. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dx6ey37y3o (Accessed: 30 September 2025)
