Last month, it was announced that the UK public inquiry into the Government’s handling of the Covid pandemic would include the impact on the education, health and wellbeing of children and young people.
The move was in response to criticism that the original draft terms of the inquiry failed to mention children and young people.
The prime minister has now gone a step further and agreed for the impact on the early years to also be considered.
It follows a four-week consultation by the chair of the inquiry, former High Court judge Baroness Hallett, with bereaved families, representatives from difference sectors and the public, along with an evidence session, attended by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) into what the inquiry should look at and how it should go about its work.
‘It’s vital that the inquiry uncovers exactly how this pandemic has affected our youngest citizens'
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of NDNA, said, ‘We very much welcome the news that the Prime Minister will widen the scope of the Covid Inquiry to encompass looking at the impact it had on children in early years.
‘I gave evidence to Baroness Hallett’s consultation which led to her recommendations being accepted and included in the terms of reference.
‘It’s vital that the inquiry uncovers exactly how this pandemic has affected our youngest citizens to make sure that they are always put first in any future crisis and that sufficient support is put in place for all those who care for, educate and support our children. Sadly, this did not happen during Covid-19 and lessons must be learned as a result.’
The prime minister has now finalised the Terms of Reference of the inquiry, meaning they will be established with full powers under the 2005 Inquiries Act, and those leading the inquiry can begin their formal work. Nursery World previously reported that the inquiry’s public hearings are not due to start until next year.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry Secretary, Ben Connah, stated, ‘The Chair will set out her approach for the next stage of the Inquiry’s work in July. Further information on this will be provided in due course. We will also keep our website updated on matters such as how individuals and organisations can apply for Core Participant status.
‘We are committed to running a wide-reaching listening project that will hear the experiences of people who have suffered during the pandemic. We will hear from people across the whole of the UK, and will ensure that the listening project is accessible to all parts of society with a particular focus on disadvantaged and under-represented groups. The inquiry will share further information on the listening project later this year, including what the project is for, who can take part, how it will work, when it will start, and how it will link with the inquiry’s findings.’
