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The Executive needs to craft a new Programme for Government. Scope takes a look at how young people rate progress on the high-level outcomes that guide Stormont. Their biggest concern is the environment.

The closer our segregated education system is scrutinised the more unjustifiable it appears.

NICVA’s latest Covid-19 Impact Survey shows the immense impact of the pandemic on the local third sector and its ability to deliver services. Significant statutory help is needed. It won’t be provided without making a good case.

Climate scientists and governments across the globe agree that key to tackling climate change is planting more trees.

Today’s babies and infants are having a peculiar – and challenging – start to their lives. It has affected their behaviour, wellbeing and likely their development. They and their parents need more support.

The many charities who rely on corporate and individual donations and charity shops for much of their revenue were left reeling when Covid-19 hit.

It is unsurprising – but still disappointing – that the pandemic could force the work done by charities shrink while demand for that work rises.

One of government’s most pressing concerns is to get life back to normal. Critical to that is returning the economy to growth. 

The local R number is above one, which is a potential disaster given schools are supposed to open their doors in a week or two. Renewed restrictions elsewhere could be needed.

When the history of the pandemic comes to be written the most disturbing chapter of all will be devoted to the plight of the old and the vulnerable.

Local children will soon be back at school. Catching up on education is vital – but so is pupils’ mental health. Scope looks at a new report from Barnardo’s NI that gathered evidence from teachers and other education staff.

Sean McKay, former Director of Audit at the NI Audit Office argues that the status quo is not an option for our education system when schools return.

It will take Northern Ireland’s economy  between four and five years to recover from the Covid-19 economic crash, according to an Ulster University report released this week. 

The pandemic has highlighted many economic weaknesses. A terrible downturn is inevitable, and young people will be worst affected. Throw in other factors, like climate change, and new thinking seems necessary.

It may have been a giant leap for Boris Johnson, but his plans to help us lose weight are but a small step in the battle against obesity.

Northern Ireland’s coastlines are beautiful. They are also strewn with litter. We all need to think about plastic waste.

What if the spontaneous outbreaks of kindness which have been such a feature of the pandemic were shown to be a true reflection of the human condition, not just a response to a crisis?

Covid-19 has left children out of school. Parents are petitioning for academic selection to be significantly delayed - or simply cancelled - for the coming year.

The controversy over facemasks is emblematic of the dangerously shambolic government response to Covid-19. And it's not just public health that’s at stake. 

2020 is our annus horribilis. Until, perhaps, 2021.