Young children have fallen behind in their language development as a result of the lockdown, new research suggests.
Measures taken to combat the pandemic, including less contact with grandparents, social distancing, no play dates and the wearing of face masks have left children less exposed to conversations and everyday experiences that are essential for increasing vocabulary, it said.
Data from 50,000 pupils and a survey of schools showed an increased number of four and five-year-olds needing help with language.
Research by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) found that of 58 primary schools surveyed, 76 per cent said pupils starting school in September 2020 needed more support with communication than in previous years, and 96 per cent were concerned about pupils’ speech and language development.
Problems with communication can limit young children, particularly if they are unable to express themselves, interact with peers and make themselves understood.
EEF chief executive Professor Becky Francis said there was “huge concern expressed by schools about young children’s speech and language following the impact of the pandemic”.
She told the BBC: “We can see that in the survey results but also anecdotally right across our networks.”
The EEF’s findings are also reflected in data from the company Speech Link, which provides language assessments to primary schools.
Of 50,000 four and five-year-olds starting school in September, an extra 20-25 per cent needed help with language skills compared with the previous year, the company found. There are also concerns about the impact of the pandemic on pre-school children.
Sally Miner, head of Ryders Hayes primary school in Walsall said communication is “absolutely key” for young children. She added: “It’s all about a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
“And without that, they’re not going to feel happy, they’re not going to be able to grow, they’re not going to be able to gain all the benefits of interacting with their peers as we’d want them to, and interact with staff.”
The government said it is investing £18m in early-years catch-up, including extra help for those in Reception year.
