Earlier this week, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, announced the commencement of the Inquiry’s eighth investigation, which will examine the impact of the pandemic on children and young people. Plans have also been outlined to open two further investigations in 2024.

This investigation will focus on how the pandemic affected children and young people, including the decisions made and the extent to which considerations for children were taken into account. The pandemic impacted children and young people in various ways, including the loss of loved ones, academic opportunities, and social development time.

Baroness Hallett stated: “Our Children and Young People's Voices research project will ensure that the Inquiry listens to a wide range of those children and young people.”

Module 8 will investigate the pandemic's impact on children across different sectors of society, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. It will consider diverse backgrounds, decision-making impacts on children and young people, and the pandemic's long-term consequences. More details of the areas of investigation are included in the provisional scope for Module 8.

Modules 1 (The UK’s pandemic preparedness and resilience) and Module 2, 2A, 2B, and 2C (Core political and administrative decision making in the UK and devolved administrations) have been completed.