Children in Lockdown

Learning the lessons of pandemic times

Editors: Christopher Arnold and Brian Davis

This timely and relevant book focuses on the societal impact of the pandemic on children and the educational, social and psychological services that function to support them. It acknowledges the constant change and adaptation required in real time and provides the basis for a start to the discussion about the effects of COVID-19 on families and everyone involved with ‘school life’. Essays include reflections on the impact of lockdown on children and the lessons to be learned, with contributions from children, parents, teachers, Educational Psychologists and Social Workers in the UK and worldwide.

REVIEWS AND ENDORSEMENTS

“A book of its time, which readers will find of enormous value as communities move hopefully towards a ‘post pandemic’ era. A rich diversity of perspectives offers insight into the impact on children and their families … A ‘must read’ for all those who work with children and young people.” – Andrea Higgins, former Programme Director, Professional Doctorate Training in Educational Psychology, Cardiff University.

“This accessible and scholarly book invites new thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on children … It should have wide appeal for teachers, psychologists, social workers and parents or carers; in fact anyone who wants to support young people to flourish after the pandemic. Highly recommended.” – Dr Barley Birney, Head of Specialist Inclusion Service and Principal Educational Psychologist, Barnet Education and Learning Service.

“Diverse voices from around the world are freed from lockdown in this hugely important book. There is perceptive information about past pandemics and present research on the impact on children and carers. … Crucially, there are the voices of children … There are multiple lessons to be learnt from this book as we adjust to the ‘new normal’.” – Dr Mark Fox, Educational Psychologist.

“Nelson Mandela said children were the rock on which to build our nation. Hope is central to Children in Lockdown … Hope because COVID-19 centralised children’s needs, … moving from education to educating, addressing mental health issues and psychodynamics in leadership.” – David Wylde, Past President, International Confederation of Principals.

ABOUT THE EDITORS

Dr Christopher Arnold is the Principal Psychologist at Psychological Services GB Limited. He is an academic and professional tutor at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and is on the editorial board of the BPS’ Debate periodical for educational psychologists. Christopher has also been an educational advisor to the European Union. He has authored and edited numerous books, papers and conference presentations.

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Dr Brian Davis is currently the Director for Child, Community and Educational Psychology Professional training at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. He has a particular interest in supporting organisational level responses to challenge and change. His research interests include the development of quality Educational Psychology practice and continuing professional development; professional training; the promotion of positive outcomes for children and young people; and the building of resilience in the community through strategic and multi-agency working.

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Preface by Dr Seán Cameron

PART 1: CONTEXT

1. Introduction; Christopher Arnold

2. A neuropsychological lens on the impact of lockdown on children and young people; Stephanie Satariano and Elizabeth Roberts

PART II: LEARNING FROM CHILDREN

3. What children and young people told us as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded; Sarah Sivers, Sarah Wendland, Lauren Baggley and Kate Boyle

4. Challenging narratives on risk and mental health support: a parent’s story; Aimée Webster and Stefania Donati

PART III: LEARNING FROM SOCIAL WORK

5. Social workers and family support workers tell their stories; Richard Devine, Becca Dove and Tim Fisher

PART IV: LEARNING FROM PARENTS

6. Lockdown and the family: reflections of a psychologist; Xavier Eloquin

7. Locked down with troubled children; Richard Lewis and Emily Barrett

8. Caregiving for young children during a pandemic; Abigail Wright

PART V: LEARNING FROM PSYCHOLOGISTS

9. A school refusal case study: the pandemic in Singapore; Jennifer Greene

10. Creating communities of practice within educational psychology and implementing change beyond the pandemic; Nicole Schnackenberg, Sarah Sivers and Anne Powell-Davies

PART VI: LEARNING FROM ORGANISATIONS

11. Applying psychodynamic theory and organisational change models to crisis management; Brian Davis

PART VII: CONCLUSIONS

Observations from South Africa and the USA; Bryan Walsh and Les Osler

12. What are we learning? Christopher Arnold and Brian Davis