One in four pupils faces challenges at school, teachers warn

One in four pupils in compulsory school has some form of challenge, while teachers say they lack time to provide enough support, according to a report from the Swedish Teachers union, cited by SVT.

The report says 26 per cent of pupils face challenges, and some have several difficulties at once. In an average class of 25, teachers often have to manage the needs of seven pupils on their own.

Nine in 10 teachers surveyed said they were worried about at least one pupil’s ability to complete school and manage later in life. Four in 10 said pupils’ challenges affected classroom calm in all or most lessons.

The report is based on a survey of more than 2,000 teachers in preschool class and compulsory school. It defines challenges broadly, ranging from difficulty understanding instructions or finding a textbook to anxiety about a sick parent. More serious difficulties include learning problems, difficulties working with others and mental health issues, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Union chair Anna Olskog said that when teachers spend much of their time dealing with urgent problems, the consequences affect both individual pupils and the whole class.

The union is calling for smaller groups in preschool and compulsory school, earlier support and better access to special education teachers, special needs educators, school counsellors and school psychologists. It also wants the government to take long-term action on young people’s health and education.