Many pupils in England hungry and badly clothed, say teachers

Union says schools overwhelmed by funding cuts and increasing child poverty

Teachers have warned that growing levels of poverty across England are having a devastating effect on pupils, with more children going hungry and being unable to afford warm clothes this winter.

The findings from the National Education Union paint a harrowing picture of day-to-day poverty in schools. Teachers say that a lack of food, poor housing and unsuitable clothes are overwhelming pupils and cash-strapped schools.

Related: The Guardian view on poverty in Britain: not just shocking but shameful | Editorial

Almost half said more children were going hungry compared with three years ago, with only 2% saying the situation had got better.

Two-thirds of teachers said more families were unable to afford adequate winter clothes or shoes compared with three years ago.

Teachers reported schools having to provide children with coats as the cold weather kicked in; others said pupils regularly came to school with holes in their clothes and shoes that were held together with tape.

Related: Gordon Brown: I didn't think I'd see child poverty again in my lifetime

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2S4K9Ab