Paediatricians and Public Health Doctors pressing for reopening of schools
Reopening special needs schools urged to support developmental needs
Paediatricians and Public Health Doctors at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland are calling for the reopening of schools, in particular special needs schools, to be prioritised to support developmental and mental health needs.
Today (February 1), the Faculties of Paediatrics and Public Health Medicine at RCPI welcomed the publication of a new report by the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics and Neonatology that highlighted the urgent actions required to address the full impact of school closures.
The Action to Address the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children Experiencing Marginalisation and Homelessness report, written in collaboration with the RCPI, underlines the urgent need for schools to reopen.
Dr Louise Kyne, Dean of the Faculty of Paediatrics at the RCPI, said the Covid-19 crisis had exposed and amplified existing inequalities and risks of harm facing vulnerable children.
“This report underlines how important it is to consider these vulnerable children, particularly the special needs group.
“It highlights the essential role of schools in providing not only education but in supporting a wide range of social, emotional, physical, developmental and mental health needs. Parents are reporting regression in their children with special needs.”