A National Education Union survey has revealed that, in a survey of 1,026 teachers, 40% of them said they were having to provide extra items for children and young people as well as pay for school trips, because of increased poverty.
Half of school staff believe that thousands of pupils are affected by low wages and funding cuts and are of the opinion that the prospects of many of students are compromised. Some of these staff have admitted to paying out of their own pockets for essential school services for those affected. Most teachers think the effects of poverty have got worse over the last two years – with 49 per cent saying it has a significant impact on progress in school.
One of the teachers polled has said “Some students have mentioned that they have not had any food for two days, some come without having breakfast and with no dinner money but are not on free school meals.”
NEU boss Mary Bousted said: “The government does not want to hear these truly shaming stories from the frontline of teaching but it must.
Children’s Minister Nadhim Zahawi replied: “Our ambition for these children is exactly the same for every other child – to achieve well in education, go on to college or university and to live happy and fulfilled lives.”
