Half of all teachers in state schools in England are aware of pupils who are homeless or have experienced homelessness in the last year according to a November YouGov survey commissioned by Shelter.
Shreeve: A report that should shame Government
Commenting, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“This is a report that should shame Government. Children living in precarious or temporary accommodation face daily challenges affecting every part of their lives.
“It certainly impacts on a child’s learning and their future prospects.”
8,379 IW children living in poverty
He went on to add,
“Child poverty figures are a scandal. Government 2021/22 statistics reveal that 4.2 million children were living in poverty – 29.2% of all UK children, up from 3.6 million in 2010/11. Isle of Wight figures are higher at 34.2 percent – equal to 8,379 children.
“Shelter’s figures show 362 Island children living in temporary accommodation – organised by social services, the council or themselves.
“Every single day, schools experience the impact of poverty on learning. An overwhelming majority of teachers responding to the YouGov survey noted: the impact of missing lessons, struggling to complete homework, coming to school hungry, struggling to maintain friendships, as well as spiralling mental and physical health conditions.”
Shreeve: Employment is not necessarily a route out of poverty
The Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union,
“With 71% of children in poverty living with at least one adult who works, Government cannot claim that employment is currently a route out of poverty.
“Having no secure home creates real anxiety and fear in children. Not tackling homelessness and poverty now increases the need to do so later. Delaying support will store up bigger future problems.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. Government, especially any incoming Government must promise and act dramatically.”
Neate: A national scandal
Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter sums up. There are,
“1 in 84 children homeless in England right now, the immense damage being inflicted on their education is a national scandal.”
