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Youth services & Covid recovery: A missed opportunity

Youth services could form a crucial part of the effort to fully re-open schools from September and, in the longer term, could help pupils to recover from the impact of lockdown – but the government is failing to recognise this potential, says Leigh Middleton

The role of youth work in education represents a policy blind spot in government, with too little acknowledgement of this untapped resource working with schools and colleges.

In the absence of clear guidance, opportunities are being missed to support summer activities.

Any provision made over the summer holidays is at the discretion of schools and academy trusts. Yet, just when they are needed most, youth services and activities were closed and are only now emerging gradually from the coronavirus lockdown – too late for most schools’ summer plans.

Furthermore, as we reach the end of the school year the role of youth work is largely absent from the discussions on fully re-opening schools and colleges from September.

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