Teachers in the UK say nearly a third of students from disadvantaged backgrounds lack proper physical development.

A third of school staff have witnessed “physical underdevelopment” in students due to poverty, with schools in England stretching their budgets to provide basic household items such as cookers, bedding, and clothes for students whose families are struggling. This was revealed in a survey of over 14,000 school staff, published at the National Education Union’s annual conference. In schools located in deprived areas, this issue affects more than half of the teachers, with concerns that the situation will worsen following recent benefit cuts. Teachers at the conference highlighted the adverse impact of poverty beyond malnutrition, including families needing assistance with navigating the benefits system and lacking essential items such as beds or tables. Chris Dutton, a deputy headteacher and chair of the NEU’s national leadership council, pointed out that state schools across the country are stepping in to support families in these dire circumstances, purchasing items like cookers and microwaves with their limited budgets. Similarly, Michael Allen, a primary school teacher, noted that some schools have to supply clothes for children starting reception who are unable or too anxious to use the toilet independently, straining resources away from educational goals. Kari Anson, the head of a special needs school, emphasized the exacerbated challenges for families of children with special educational needs due to poor living conditions and cuts to disability benefits, which can result in hospitalization for children with medical conditions. The latest government data indicates a rise in child poverty to 4.5 million, affecting 31% of children in the UK. Daniel Kebede, the NEU’s general secretary, criticized successive governments for expecting schools to fill gaps in support for children affected by poverty, arguing against coexisting high child poverty rates with calls for “high and rising standards” in schools. The Department for Education responded by affirming their commitment to addressing child poverty through initiatives such as tripling investment in breakfast clubs and increasing the pupil premium to provide additional support to those in need.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/apr/17/a-third-of-uk-school-staff-report-physical-underdevelopment-in-poor-students