A former teacher who left to set up a wellbeing and education programme for children, says schools are “at breaking point”. Nick Clement who taught for 10 years, including eight as a class teacher at Llanharan Primary, said lack of funds means children don’t always get the specialist support they need as wellbeing problems spiral post-Covid.
He described how, during two years supply teaching and eight as a contracted class teacher, he has seen children's wellbeing problems multiply since the pandemic. The bilingual ex-teacher said he has seen “everything” from primary age children lashing out, swearing, throwing chairs, fighting and arguing.
Since Covid some have difficulty making eye contact, joining in activities and making and maintaining friendships. Children are also more likely to refuse to take part in classes or miss school.
