New survey findings suggest that child poverty is pushing schools to the ‘brink’, with staff being forced from their ‘core roles’ to deal with its impact.
The Education Anti-Poverty Coalition survey of 1,023 professionals working in schools in England, organised by the Child Poverty Action Group, reveals:
- 79 per cent of school staff have to divert time from their allocated roles to combat child poverty, for example dealing with dinner money debt, sourcing food bank vouchers, hardship grants and home equipment like washing machines in families.
- Over half (53 per cent) of teachers report an increase in the number of pupils struggling to concentrate on learning due to hunger and fatigue, compared to two years ago.
- 68 per cent say more pupils don’t have money for enough food at lunchtime.
- 74 per cent say there’s evidence that children growing up in poverty have fallen further behind their peers with their learning.
- 70 per cent of headteachers say more parents are asking for help with essentials like food and clothing.
