Large numbers of teachers are helping poorer pupils pay for school uniforms, food, toiletries and period products, new research has found.
The National Education Union is calling on the government to do more to help disadvantaged families after its survey revealed that a growing proportion of teachers believe poverty is affecting children’s learning.
More than half (55 per cent) said they or their school is providing free breakfasts, 58 per cent are providing extra food during the day, 31 per cent are providing toiletries and 68 per cent period products.
One teacher told researchers: “This is the worst I have ever known it in 28 years of teaching.”
