a notice from the Child Poverty Action Group
Growing child poverty is affecting children’s learning, say NEU education professionals, and schools and education staff are increasingly providing the services and essentials of daily life to stop families falling through the cracks.
A snapshot survey (1) of a sample of heads, teachers and school support staff who are members of the National Education Union (NEU) reveals the extent to which poverty is damaging the educational opportunities for children from poor families.
A staggering 87% of respondents say that poverty is having a significant impact on the learning of their pupils and students and 60% believe that the situation has worsened since 2015. (2)
“Heart breaking” was the description most commonly used by our members to describe the critical situation of many poor children and families. Teachers described children wearing worn-out shoes and unable to do homework because they have no stationery.
One teacher commented: “The school collects for the food bank in the staffroom. But this is a big problem and it breaks my heart.”
Another said: “Parents are in crisis and not managing their children's emotional or physical needs as they are so stressed about money. The support we need to provide for these families cannot be underestimated.”
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