Covid Catch-Up
The national lockdowns had a significant impact on children’s learning, wellbeing and daily routines. At Woodsetts Primary School, our approach to Covid Catch-Up has been rooted in care, high expectations and the belief that every child can thrive with the right support. Since children returned to school after the lockdowns, we have continued to take a considered and long-term approach to recovery, ensuring that no child is left behind.
A Carefully Planned Approach
We recognised that children’s experiences during lockdown varied. Some continued to access learning consistently, while others faced barriers such as reduced independence, gaps in key skills or anxiety about returning to school. Our Covid Catch-Up strategy was designed to:
• Rebuild pupils’ confidence, relationships and sense of belonging
• Identify gaps in learning through high-quality assessment
• Provide targeted support to help pupils make rapid progress
• Sustain good mental health and emotional wellbeing
This approach continues to shape how we organise teaching, intervention and pastoral care.
High-Quality Teaching First
Our main driver of recovery has been strong, consistent teaching in every classroom. Teachers have:
• Prioritised key knowledge and skills essential for long-term progress
• Used ongoing assessment to adjust teaching and address misconceptions quickly
• Built in opportunities for retrieval practice so learning “sticks”
• Provided clear scaffolding and challenge to ensure all children succeed
Targeted Support and Intervention
Where children needed additional help, we used the National Tutoring Programme and school-led interventions to provide:
• Small group tuition in reading, writing and maths
• 1:1 support where needed to close specific gaps
• Phonics catch-up using Little Wandle Rapid Intervention
• TA-led structured programmes with regular monitoring and review
Support is planned and reviewed using our graduated approach, ensuring that provision is responsive and effective.
Wellbeing and Reconnection
We understand that children’s emotional wellbeing is closely linked to learning. To support this, we have:
• Strengthened PSHE and pastoral support across school
• Continued to embed our Woodsetts Learner Code and restorative approaches
• Provided safe spaces and trusted adults for pupils who need emotional support
• Built play, creativity and enrichment back into daily school life
Children are now confident, settled and demonstrating positive attitudes to learning.
Sustaining Long-Term Progress
Covid Catch-Up is not a short-term initiative. Our curriculum continues to be carefully sequenced so that missed knowledge is revisited and secured over time. Teachers continually monitor progress and adapt planning to ensure pupils move forward securely.
We are proud of the resilience, determination and progress our children have shown. Their achievements speak to the strength of our community: families, staff and children working together.
If you would like to know more about our Covid Catch-Up approach, the National Tutoring Programme, or support for individual pupils, please contact the school office. We are always happy to help.
