Responding to a new report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) on the impact of the cost of living crisis in schools, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“These findings sadly chime with what we have heard from members about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Financial difficulties at home can not only harm children’s health and wellbeing, they may also impact school attendance and attainment. They affect the ability of pupils and teachers to focus on learning, with pupils who are hungry and cold less likely to be able to concentrate.

“School staff are increasingly having to also act as counsellors and social workers following years of government under-investment in public services – with some setting up foodbanks and warm hubs on school premises and offering use of showers and washing machines. It is shocking.

“The government must provide more support for families beyond the school gates, with better funding for social care and mental health services, targeted support like extending free school meals to all children in households receiving universal credit, and a real drive to tackle the root causes of child poverty.”