The cost-of-living crisis has not left many untouched and those working in schools are experiencing first-hand the impact it is having on families. Suzanne O'Connell speaks with three schools to find out what they are seeing and what they are doing to help


Official data indicates that 3.9 million children live in poverty in the UK – around nine in an average classroom (DWP, 2022). And this figure is expected to worsen after the axing of the Universal Credit uplift introduced during Covid.

A majority of these families are in work and with food inflation soaring one in four households with children experienced some kind of food insecurity last term (Food Foundation, 2022).

You will all have seen heart-breaking individual stories. Hannah coming in to school hungry. Thomas who does not have proper winter clothing. Abdul whose family does not qualify for free school meals but yet cannot afford lunches. Examples we are shocked to see in 2023.

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