Many London schools have cancelled festive activities including nativity plays, fairs and pantomime trips and some have even reintroduced bubbles and masks in classrooms in a bid to remain open until the Christmas holidays start at the end of this week.
But there is growing concern that the Omicron outbreak will lead to schools being closed early or not reopening in January.
Anne Longfield, former Children’s Commissioner and chair of the Commission on Young Lives warned that school closures have a devastating impact on children, including damaging their mental health and academic attainment.
They are also a “golden opportunity” for gangs and people who groom vulnerable children she said.
It comes as the Health Secretary Sajid Javid told LBC on Monday said he could not guarantee schools would not close again due to the pandemic.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi also stopped short of guaranteeing that all schools would remain open amid the Omicron wave when he appeared on The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday.
Ms Longfield told the Standard: “We know the negative impact closing schools to most children had on mental health and attainment. But it also puts many vulnerable children at risk.
“I am particularly worried about those marginalised teenagers who are most at risk of criminal exploitation. School closures are a golden opportunity for gangs and those who are so adept at grooming and using vulnerable children.”
She added: “I recognise the challenges, the sacrifices and the dedication of school staff in keeping schools open. The Government must give schools all the support they need to make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of previous lockdowns.”
She pointed to the “huge drop” in referrals to social services via schools last year when schools were closed, saying that it shows what happens “when children are out of the sight of teachers”.
