Salford: New research shows increase in child poverty in schools

Kath Ansley, coordinator for formation and animation at Caritas Salford

Source: Caritas Salford

A local charity is calling for urgent action to be taken as new research it has carried out shows a significant increase in child poverty within Catholic schools in Greater Manchester and Lancashire over the last three years.

More than 95 per cent of headteachers and school leaders who contributed to the research cited that the number of children living in poverty has risen, with 35 per cent stating the increase has been significant.

Caritas Salford, a charity which works alongside people experiencing poverty, homelessness, disadvantage and displacement across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, carried out the research with schools across the Catholic Diocese of Salford with the findings showing a stark picture.

42 per cent of respondents believe that more than half of the children in their school are affected by poverty related issues, with half of respondents stating that poverty affects more than 75 per cent of their pupils.

98 per cent of the school leaders that took part in the research believe that poverty and deprivation impacts the educational outcomes of their students, with almost two-thirds (63 per cent) indicating the impact is severe.

Schools are on the frontline in communities across the area every day, but at a time of overstretched public services, particularly social care and mental health support, schools are increasingly stepping in to fill the gaps. As one headteacher said: "If not us, then who?"

Patrick O'Dowd, director of Caritas Salford, said: "It is clear from the data that children consistently have the highest poverty rates when compared with other groups. We believe this is unacceptable.

"Growing up in poverty is known to have significant and long-lasting consequences, particularly when it comes to health and educational outcomes and attainment.

"These statistics that schools have provided are incredibly shocking but they aren't just numbers on a page. Each one is a young life and urgent action needs to be taken right now.

"We want a world where no child should have to live in poverty - that shouldn't be too much to ask. Everyone deserves to live happily and with dignity in a safe, secure and supported environment, whatever their age - but especially the youngest in our communities.

"We work alongside and in schools across Greater Manchester and Lancashire and demand for our services to support local families, children and young people via our 14 community-based and outreach services has arguably never been higher.

"We see the amazing work schools do to try and support those families too, but with ever-stretched resources tough decisions need to be made every single day. It's a difficult balancing act. A strong tide that is proving impossible to turn without urgent action from key decision makers locally, regionally and nationally."

Other key findings in the research report include 72 per cent of the senior school leaders citing that pupils are struggling to meet educational outcomes or falling behind compared to peers. 45 per cent stated that these students also have limited access to learning materials such as books and stationery, with 52 per cent coming to school without other equipment such as PE kit or bags.

There was also a high level of absenteeism (53 per cent of respondents stated) due to family responsibilities or crises.

In response, more than 98 per cent of the school leaders responding also stated they and their school community have introduced or adapted practices to support children and families experiencing poverty over the last three years. Some of the ways this has been done include:

-Free breakfasts/breakfast clubs
-Provision of school uniforms
-Provision of food parcels and referrals to food banks
-Increased engagement with and assessments by Early Help at Children's Services
-Signposting and referrals to a variety of external support services, including Caritas Salford's teams
-Homework clubs to help those without IT equipment or parental support at home
-Assistance with the cost of school trips
-Accessing the Caritas Salford Bishop's Fund which provides immediate support for families experiencing crisis or hardship

One respondent said: "A head teacher's role mirrors the role of a social worker more each day as the needs of our children and families increase."

Another stated: "Poverty is linked with so many other issues that build significant barriers to learning - children have no headspace for learning because there are often so many other things going on in their lives."

One local head teacher said: "We stretch ourselves to breaking point to try to accommodate the various needs our families have...", with another adding: "Parents are very private and don't like to discuss financial worries and concerns. We only find out when things become impossible for them to manage."

The adequacy of support services, such as social workers, family support workers, educational psychologists and counsellors has also become an increasingly critical issue, at a time when mental health issues of young people are become ever-more acute. Only one per cent of respondents to the research said their needs are being fully met, with 38 per cent citing that their school's needs are either largely or completely unmet.

One head teacher said: There is never enough in the school budget, especially for those schools that are prioritising inclusivity...", with another stating: "There appears to be a complete lack of understanding relating to the pressure this puts on the local school team and the school's financial budget. It is not sustainable."

Caritas Salford is calling for urgent action to be taken to help move closer to a resolution around child poverty in our area. This includes:

- An end to the two-child limit preventing parents from receiving Universal Credit and tax credits for more than two children in a family
-Free school meals for all primary-aged children
-Increased funding for mental health and SEND provision in schools
-Provision of temporary accommodation near to children's schools and a duty on local authorities to notify schools when a family is placed in temporary accommodation
-Recommendations for further research

Patrick O'Dowd, director of Caritas Salford, added: "It's clear that systemic change needs to happen and it needs to happen now. Many schools and local communities are reaching breaking point which is simply not acceptable, and without policy reforms even more children will be tragically pulled into poverty. People in our communities, including schools, are doing amazing work, showing incredible resilience despite the challenges they face.

"There isn't a simple answer and resolving poverty is a complex multi-faceted issue, but the time for talking and vote-seeking rhetoric is over. This is real lives we are talking about - real young people - and they are being damaged often in irreparable ways.
"We urge that action is taken. It's already too late for many, but we're optimistic for a better future for families, children and young people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire."

Caritas Salford runs 14 services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, many of which support children, young people and families. It has also been running its school service for decades, providing social work, counselling, therapy, crisis support and a whole range of other assistance to schools at a time they need it most.

To find out more about Caritas and its services visit: www.caritassalford.org.uk.

To read more about the other findings in the report, visit: www.caritassalford.org.uk/endchildpoverty