Children come into class hungry and they can't concentrate, say teachers

THE number of children arriving at school hungry has risen dramatically in the last six months, with many teachers reporting a worrying rise in pupils stealing to eat, according to a survey of teachers in England.

- David Cohen

More than 80 per cent of teachers reported that in their schools, the amount of children entering the gates hungry has shot up in the last six months with disastrous consequences. The Survation study on behalf of Chefs in Schools revealed that teachers say that 88 per cent of children who come in hungry show excessive tiredness at school, with 84 per cent easily distracted in class and 74 per cent exhibiting disruptive behaviour.

It comes as the Food Foundation reports a 50 per cent rise in food insecurity in households with children since April affecting four million pupils, and bringing into focus the urgent need for these children to receive a school lunch. About 85 per cent of teachers in the Survation survey say that pupils ineligible for free school meals would benefit from receiving them.