Crisis hits behaviour and safety in schools

It is well documented that the cost-of-living crisis has had a significant impact on families’ finances and economic wellbeing over the past year. Now research by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) reveals the effects of the crisis on children’s education and the amount of additional support schools are providing to all pupils, not just those eligible for the pupil premium (see graphics).

What is clear from the survey findings – drawn from responses by 1,354 senior leaders and 1,317 teachers in mainstream schools and 87 senior leaders and 41 teachers in special schools – is how the rise in living costs over the past 18 months has affected most aspects of school life, from deteriorating levels of pupil mental health, classroom behaviour and attendance. Teachers report a rise in safeguarding concerns over the past year (see expert view, below) and are increasingly stepping in to offer the basics such as food and clothing.