Poverty impact being felt in the classroom

CHILDREN in the North East are turning up to school tired and hungry because of the impact of poverty on their families, teachers say.

- By GRAEME WHITFIELD Business & Agenda Writer [e-mail]

A survey of almost 5,000 teachers and support staff carried out by the National Education Union found that 87% of teachers have seen students showing signs of tiredness when in school as a consequence of poverty.

Almost three-quarters of school staff reported children with poverty-related poor hygiene (74%) or in inadequate clothing (72%).

The survey also reveals how many schools have taken action to tackle the issue of child poverty with some putting on breakfast clubs or hosting food banks, while many individual staff members have personally paid for extra food, learning supplies or uniforms for pupils.