Commenting on the National Foundation for Educational Research report, Cost-of-living crisis: Impact on schools – pupils and families, published today (Thursday), Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“This shocking new data confirms what our members have been experiencing for a long time. The prevalence of poverty and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis have pushed many families into hardship. Schools and their staff are working harder than ever to provide the support they need.
“No family should have to worry about the financial consequences of sending their child to school. Our own survey data suggests that schools are increasingly having to fill gaps left by the cost-of-living crisis. Schools are stepping in to help with uniforms and staff frequently provide food for disadvantaged pupils, but the challenges are not equally distributed. (1)
“The Government needs to urgently act to support those on the lowest incomes to have an equal experience of education, and reduce the burden on schools. Rolling out free school meals to all children, starting with those in primary, would be a great first step.”
Editor’s Note