In the latest survey of over 8,000 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, we asked teachers and support staff about the issue of child poverty.
- Our members report that their school/college is working to support disadvantaged students, by helping with, for instance, school uniform (76%), free breakfasts (52%) and period products (63%).
- Teachers and support staff are paying out of their own pocket, and on a regular basis, for extra food, period products, toiletries and laundry, in order to help disadvantaged pupils in their care.
- Teachers told us about the impacts on learning that they are seeing as a result of poverty in their everyday school experience. 84% told us they see signs of tiredness/fatigue, 79% an inability to concentrate, and for 65% an inability to complete homework.
- Members want to see solutions from Government to properly respond to levels of child poverty. 79% of teachers call for free school meals for all children who attend primary schools in England and Wales. 89% want to see a strengthening of rules to ensure school uniforms are affordable. 78% would like to see a dedicated technology budget to combat the digital divide.
The State of Education survey gauges the views of working teacher, support staff and school leader NEU members in England and Wales. We are releasing the findings over the course of Annual Conference.
