Recent headlines about schools having to meet pupils’ basic needs inspired Karen Sullivan to think of ways we could help to tackle the wider issues

You may have seen the survey by the National Association of Head teachers showing that schools are providing £43.5 million a year of unfunded support for students, more than half of that going to secondary-school pupils whose basic needs are not being met (See http://bit.ly/1JRTbJr).

For example, 24 per cent of respondents in the survey were frequently or occasionally providing clothes-washing facilities, 15 per cent showering facilities, and 34 per cent support with personal hygiene.

Three-quarters helped with school bags or stationery, 81 per cent with school uniform, and 75 per cent with food. The list of examples of support given includes hair cuts, providing toothbrushes and toothpaste. The need for this type of support is blamed on the recent cuts in social services and welfare funding.

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