In this report, we focus on the following outcomes:
- Parent/carer reported child worries related to Covid-19
- Parent/carer sources of stress
- Support and disruptions
- Parent/carer need for support
- Parent/carer preference for the medium of delivery of support
Key findings:
- Among our sample, nearly half the parents/carers thought that their child was concerned about family and friends catching the virus.
- Around a third of parents/carers reported that their child was worried about missing school.
- Work is the most frequent source of stress for parents, followed by their child’s emotional wellbeing.
- Parents of children with special educational needs and neurodevelopmental disorders (SEN/ND) report higher levels of stress across all areas.
- While child behaviour is rarely a stressor for parents of non-SEN/ND children, it was frequently a stressor for parents of children with SEN/ND.
- Parents working outside the home report particular stress around work, followed by their child’s wellbeing and education.
- 80% of those who were previously receiving support from services have had this stopped or postponed during the pandemic.
- Parents particularly want support around their child’s emotional wellbeing, education and coming out of social isolation.
- Parents of children with SEN/ND would also like support around managing their child’s behaviour.
- Parents/carers would value online written materials and videos, while parents with children with SEN/ND would also like online support from professionals.