fbpx
Connect with us
https://propermanchester.com.temp.link/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/secret-suppers-advert.jpg

News

Children ‘forget how to use knife and fork’ due to lockdown

Just in…

Avatar photo

Published

on

Ofsted has examined the impact of the pandemic on children and found that some have slipped quite far back with their skills.

The report highlighted that children have been the hardest hit by Covid-19 measures put in place during the pandemic.

In some cases, for instance, where children were potty-trained pre-lockdown they have reverted back to nappies. Others have forgotten basic numbers or how to use a knife and fork. Older children have lost their stamina for reading, according to the inspectors.

Based on visits to 900 schools, Ofsted found there were three ‘broad groups’ to describe what has happened to children in the UK in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stem4l/Unsplash

The majority of children sit in the middle of the three groups. This group has ‘slipped back in their  learning to varying degrees since schools were closed to most children and movement restricted’. 

The report adds that ‘lost learning is unarguable, but it is hard to assess’.

The hardest-hit group of children have suffered from time out from school, retreating on their numeracy and literacy skills as well as ‘regression back into nappies among potty-trained children’. In some cases ‘basic skills’ such as using a knife and fork have been lost.

There are some children, the findings explain, that have gained a positive experience from lockdown. These children come from ‘supportive’ backgrounds and have benefited from a greater sense of togetherness and ‘quality time’ with parents and family.

The report adds that children’s experiences weren’t necessarily determined by privilege or deprivation. However, it explains that those children whose parents were unable to work more flexibly have experienced less time with parents and other children and have therefore been more greatly impacted.

Michał Parzuchowski/Unsplash

The chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, says the divide is not along the lines of ‘advantage and deprivation’. Instead, it depends on factors such as whether parents were able to spend time children and families. She described this as ‘good support structures’.

Children with special education needs and disabilities have been ‘seriously affected’ across all age groups both in car and education, losing vital support including speech and language services.

Ofsted remains concerned about children who are at risk of neglect, exploitation and abuse. Child protection referrals fell while schools to most pupils and have yet to return to normal levels. 

In older children, Ofsted warned of a loss of concentration. Spielman added that some boys have spent most of the lockdown gaming online with friends and after months of online-learning, ‘online squabbles’ that started in lockdown on social media are now ‘being played out in the classroom’.

There are also reports of loss of physical fitness, ‘signs of mental distress’ and concerns over eating disorders and self-harm.

Annie Spratt/Unsplash

Leader of the ASCL headteachers’ union, Geoff Barton, says the report ‘starkly shows the educational and emotional impact of school closures, and why we need to do everything possible to keep schools open’. 

Barton warned that it was becoming financially unsustainable to keep schools running with the increased cost of safety measures and paying for staff to cover when teachers need to self-isolate. 

James Bowen, the director of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “The government’s refusal to recognise the financial difficulties schools are now facing due to Covid-19 means that not only is money being taken away from children’s education and wellbeing, it could push some schools over the edge financially.”

A Department for Education person said: “The government has been clear that getting all pupils and students back into full-time education is a national priority.”

Adding: “We know that some children do need additional support to catch up as a result of the pandemic, which is why we launched a £1bn Covid catch-up fund for schools to support those children who need it.

“Our national tutoring programme is now live in schools, providing intensive support to the most disadvantaged children. The evidence shows high-quality tutoring can make up as much as three to five months’ lost learning.”

News

Man arrested in connection with death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

He has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, police say

Avatar photo

Published

on

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A man has been arrested in connection to the death of television personality George Gilbey who died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey, a self-employed electricain, starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

In the latest update, police said the arrested man was in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, and that further updates would be announced ‘proactively’. The force said he was arrested on ‘suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter’.

Continue Reading

News

Police issue urgent appeal to find missing man from Tameside

Have you seen David?

Avatar photo

Published

on

Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent appeal to help find a man who was last seen in Tameside in the early hours of yesterday.

David, 40, was last seen on Sands Walk, Hyde, at around 12am on Wednesday March 27th.

He is believed to still have his mobile phone on him and to be somewhere in the Greater Manchester area, police say.

David is described as a white male, around 6 ft 2 ins tall, of slim build and a bald head with red facial hair. He also has tattoos on his arms and legs.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black hoodie.

Anyone who has seen David or who may have any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 9325.

 

Continue Reading

News

Gogglebox star George Gilbey dies after fall from height at age 40

RIP George

Avatar photo

Published

on

@georgegilbey / Instagram

Television personality George Gilbey who starred on Gogglebox has died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

Continue Reading

Receive our latest news, events & unique stories

Privacy and data policy

We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase

Copyright © 2024 Manchester's Finest Group