School leaders are reporting that half their cost-of-living support, including school uniform and food parcels, are going to children who are not eligible to receive pupil premium funding.
The research has found that in 68 per cent of primary schools and 63 per cent of secondary schools at least half of those receiving this additional support were children who do not qualify for the pupil premium, which is for pupils entitled to free school meals or with experience of care.
Two in five special school leaders say at least half of those receiving cost-of-living support are not eligible for the pupil premium.
The findings also reveal that almost nine in 10 schools are having to provide uniforms and clothing to pupils due to the impact of inflation on families. A similar proportion are subsiding extracurricular activities for pupils and 70 per cent are providing food to pupils, through food parcels vouchers, subsidised breakfasts and via food banks.
