An Overview of the Covid-19 Inquiry – Module 8 and Its Potential Impact on Schools
In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government has launched a comprehensive inquiry into its handling of the crisis.
One crucial aspect of this inquiry is Module 8, which focuses on examining the impact of the pandemic on children and young people across the United Kingdom. This module, which opened on 21 May 2024, seeks to understand the pandemic’s effects on various aspects of young people’s lives, with particular emphasis on education, health and social services.
The Scope of Module 8
The inquiry plans to investigate the pandemic’s impact on several critical areas affecting children and young people. These areas include:
1. Education and Early Years Provision: The inquiry will assess the disruption caused to children’s education, from early years through to higher education, apprenticeships, and beyond. This includes examining how schools, universities, and training providers adapted to the challenges posed by lockdowns, remote learning, and limited access to facilities.
2. Physical and Mental Health: It will explore the consequences on the physical and mental health of young people, investigating how the pandemic affected their well-being, development, family lives, and access to healthcare services.
3. Social Care and Support Services: The inquiry will also look into how children and young people engaged with social care services, particularly those at risk, in care, or receiving support from social services. Special focus will be given to young carers, care leavers, and those in the care of local authorities.
Timeline and Next Steps
The inquiry plans to hear evidence between 29 September and 23 October 2025. During this time, various stakeholders, including schools, education providers, health professionals, social workers, and others, may be called to give testimony. The findings from these sessions are expected to shape future policy and recommendations, with potential implications for educational institutions and the broader child welfare sector.
Implications for Education Providers
The outcomes off this module could significantly impact educational providers across the UK. The inquiry will likely assess how well institutions adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly in terms of supporting the education and well-being of children and young people. Institutions may face scrutiny regarding their response to the sudden transition to online learning, their ability to provide pastoral care during school closures, and their role in supporting vulnerable groups of students, including those with special educational needs and young carers.
Risks and Legal Considerations
While the inquiry's findings are not legally binding, they can have far-reaching implications. Schools should be aware of the risks associated with the inquiry, including potential reputational damage and legal challenges.
The Chairman of the inquiry has the power request information from schools and to issue warning letters to individuals or organizations that may be subject to criticism, providing them with an opportunity to respond before such criticisms are included in the final report. Additionally, the Chairman may compel witnesses to provide evidence, raising concerns about potential defamation or reputational harm for those involved.
Although the findings of the inquiry will not determine liability, they may be used in future legal claims, which could have financial and reputational consequences for those found wanting.
Conclusion
As the Covid-19 Inquiry progresses through its various modules, Module 8 will shine a critical light on how the pandemic has impacted children and young people. Education providers, social services, and policymakers will need to carefully consider the potential consequences of the inquiry's findings. By understanding the scope and potential outcomes of the inquiry, organisations can better prepare for the possibility of scrutiny and ensure that they are proactive in learning from the lessons of the pandemic to improve future responses to similar crises.
At VWV we have a strong track record for providing advice and support to schools involved in public inquiries, including the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and the Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI).
Please contact Natalie Wargent on 0117 314 5433 if your school needs help with any request or contact from any public inquiry.