EEF commissions new research on the impact of Covid-19 school and nursery closures

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has  announced three new research studies designed to provide greater understanding of the strategies schools put in place to support pupils throughout Covid-19 closures, and the impact of these approaches on the disadvantage gap. 

In June, the EEF published a rapid evidence assessment which concluded starkly that school closures will have reversed a decade’s progress in closing the disadvantage gap. However, the unprecedented circumstances of Covid-19 mean the evidence base remains limited.

Three new studies have been commissioned to help address that evidence gap, providing robust estimates of the changes to the disadvantage gap among primary-age children, as well as uniquely detailed information on how schools are supporting pupils’ wellbeing and learning this academic year.

The Early Years focussed work will be led by the University of York, NIESR and EPI will assess the impact of lockdown on the school readiness of new Reception children across England and their educational attainment and socio-emotional wellbeing over their first year of education.

Find more information here