Half of all parents are worried about their children returning to school, according to a survey published by Barnardos. The children's charity surveyed 1,765 parents, the vast majority of whom believed school was an emotional and social benefit for their child.
However, 16% of primary school parents, and 21% of secondary school parents said they would prefer if their child was not returning to school to reduce their risk of contracting Covid-19. "They are also concerned of further impacts of social distancing, or lack thereof, in schools, and have expressed anxieties around Covid-19," said Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly.