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'Forgotten' Millom looks to a new future with regeneration effort

The article from the BBC, titled "The hidden world of the UK's 'ghost children'," delves into the concerning phenomenon of children who have become disconnected from the education system and social services during and after the Covid-19 lockdowns. The piece, written by Hannah Barnes, explores the plight of these so-called "ghost children," who are not attending school and are not known to social services, thus falling through the cracks of the system.

The article begins by highlighting the case of a 14-year-old girl named Lily (a pseudonym), who stopped attending school during the lockdowns and has not returned. Her mother, struggling with mental health issues, was unable to support her daughter's education. Lily's story is not unique; the article suggests that there are thousands of children like her across the UK, who have become invisible to the authorities.

The piece then delves into the statistics, citing a report from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) that estimates around 100,000 children in England are "severely absent" from school, meaning they miss more than 50% of their lessons. This number has risen significantly since the onset of the pandemic. The CSJ also warns that these children are at a higher risk of exploitation, including criminal and sexual exploitation.

Barnes interviews several experts and professionals who work with children and families. One such expert is a social worker who explains that the lockdowns exacerbated existing issues within families, such as poverty, domestic abuse, and mental health problems. The social worker notes that many children who were already vulnerable became even more so during the lockdowns, as they were cut off from the support systems provided by schools and other services.

The article also discusses the challenges faced by schools in tracking and supporting these children. Headteachers and teachers express frustration at the lack of resources and the bureaucratic hurdles they face when trying to reach out to families. One headteacher describes how they have had to resort to home visits to check on the welfare of absent students, but these efforts are often met with resistance from families who are struggling and feel overwhelmed.

Barnes also explores the role of local authorities in addressing the issue of ghost children. She interviews a council officer who admits that the system is struggling to cope with the increased demand for support. The officer explains that while local authorities are responsible for ensuring that children are receiving an education, the reality is that they are often underfunded and understaffed, making it difficult to keep track of every child.

The article then shifts focus to the long-term consequences for these children. Experts warn that the lack of education and support can have devastating effects on their future prospects. Children who miss out on education are more likely to struggle with literacy and numeracy, which can lead to poorer job prospects and a higher likelihood of becoming involved in crime or other negative outcomes.

Barnes also touches on the issue of mental health, noting that many of these children are suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The lockdowns and the subsequent isolation have taken a toll on their well-being, and without intervention, these problems are likely to persist and worsen.

The piece also examines the role of the government in addressing the issue of ghost children. Barnes interviews a government spokesperson who acknowledges the problem and states that the government is taking steps to address it, such as providing additional funding for schools and local authorities. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that more needs to be done to support these vulnerable children.

The article concludes by calling for a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to tackling the issue of ghost children. Barnes argues that it will require a concerted effort from schools, local authorities, social services, and the government to ensure that these children are not left behind. She emphasizes the need for early intervention and support for families, as well as better data collection and tracking to identify and reach out to those who are at risk.

Overall, the article paints a grim picture of the hidden world of the UK's ghost children. It highlights the systemic failures that have allowed these children to fall through the cracks and calls for urgent action to address the issue. The piece is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and support for all children, and the devastating consequences that can result when these are not provided.

In summary, the article by Hannah Barnes for the BBC sheds light on the troubling issue of ghost children in the UK, who have become disconnected from the education system and social services. Through personal stories, expert interviews, and statistics, the piece explores the causes and consequences of this phenomenon, as well as the challenges faced by schools, local authorities, and the government in addressing it. The article calls for a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to support these vulnerable children and ensure that they are not left behind.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg7g3krvkro ]