This NFER report has revealed that many children are coming to school hungry and without adequate clothing, with many teachers spending their own money to support pupils.
Since 2021, unprecedented increases in energy costs, rapid increases in food costs and substantial increases in the cost of housing via higher rent/mortgage costs have driven a dramatic rise in the cost of living across England.
Despite inflation having fallen from its peak in winter 2022, costs remain high compared to incomes and cost pressures are expected to persist for years to come. These cost-of-living pressures have had a profound impact on pupils and their families, alongside directly impacting on the expenditures of schools.
While inflation has dipped slightly from its peak in 2022, costs remain high and are expected to continue squeezing household budgets for years to come. This financial pressure is impacting both students and schools, creating a difficult situation.
While the government has increased school budgets, the report suggests these increases may not be enough to offset the rising costs faced by schools. Schools are already grappling with a number of other issues, including staffing shortages, a decline in primary school enrollment, and the ongoing need for post-pandemic recovery.