37% of students' education impacted by issues out of school

A survey conducted by Action for Children found that teachers believe 37 per cent of their pupils faced barriers to their education because of issues outside the school gates. 

This is equivalent to nine pupils in an average class of 25.

The most common issues were living in an unstable family environment, closely followed by behavioural issues and mental health challenges. 

Other reasons included school refusal and poor attendance. 

Catherine Joyce, Action for Children's national director for England, said: "For too long, education and children’s policy has been too narrowly focused on what is happening in schools and has failed to address issues that lie beyond the school gates. 

"Those issues often severely limit children’s ability to arrive at school happy, healthy, and ready to learn."

She said schools alone are struggling to tackle issues like the growing attainment gap and the attendance crisis.

Joyce said: "In this general election year, it’s vital that all political parties focus on children – including what they need both inside and outside school. This should include building a well-functioning and sufficiently funded early help system for children and parents in need of support."

When asked about the attainment levels of their students experiencing these challenges, just 2 per cent of teachers polled believed they will reach their expected grades by the end of the academic year.

Despite grappling with dwindling resources, expanding workloads and an increase in children’s needs, teachers reported they were increasingly having to go beyond their remit and step in to provide emotional or family support, or essentials like food and clothing.

They told the charity that being diverted from their teaching roles to address social, emotional, and physical needs of their students is hindering their ability to teach and impacting the whole class.

Action for Children is calling on the central government to make it a legal requirement for local councils to provide early help services backed by significant funding.

They also encourage the promoting the use and best practice of family liaison officers in schools, as well as a committment to a timetable for making education a fourth legal safeguarding partner in England.

Action for Children is a charity that aims to protect and support vulnerable young people by providing practical and emotional care and support.