The problems are becoming so severe that a majority of school staff report being diverted from their core duties as they deal with the consequences of child poverty.
Indeed, 70% of headteachers say that more and more parents are asking schools for help with essential such as food and clothing.
The harrowing survey findings have been published this week by the Education Anti-Poverty Coalition, which is convened by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).
Official figures tell us that 4.2 million children are now living in relative poverty (household income below 60% of the median after housing costs). This is 29% of all UK children. Of these, 2.7 million are living in “deep poverty” – families below 50% of the median income (DWP, 2023).
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