Commenting on a study by the British Psychological Society showing that school break times have been reduced by 45 minutes a week in recent years, and comments by Michael Rosen that play is a fundamental human right, James Bowen, director of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“Breaks are essential for everyone in the school, and the negative impact on pupil-wellbeing is definitely a concern. It’s the unintended consequence of a number of factors. The school day is now jam-packed with tougher content and more obligations for schools to deliver. School budgets have been at breaking point for several years, so resources are stretched and the number of support staff available to cover breaktimes has been reduced. Everything points to a system under incredible strain at the moment.”
Press and Media contacts:
Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730
Rose Tremlett
Senior Press Officer
07545 354363
Email : press.office@naht.org.uk