Rising numbers unable to understand facial expressions and have communication and self-care delays
An increasing number of young children have been left unable to understand facial expressions after having fewer opportunities to develop their social skills during the pandemic, the education watchdog for England has said.
Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said the worst affected were the most vulnerable children, with those living in smaller homes without gardens typically spending more time on screens during successive lockdowns, which also resulted in delays in learning to walk and crawl.