More than half of state teachers (56%) have worked with homeless children in the past three years, a new study has revealed.

Shelter found it is now commonplace for teachers to work at a school with children who were homeless or became homeless, who often experience hunger, poor hygiene and absenteeism.

The research found 88% of these teachers saying children missing school as a key issue, with 87% reporting children are coming to school hungry.

A follow-up survey found almost three quarters of teachers (73%) said homeless children or children living in bad housing have had their education more negatively affected than children in suitable housing.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: ‘Without a safe and secure home, a child’s life chances can be deeply disrupted. This is a national scandal - and without action, the extra harm being done to homeless children as a result of the pandemic may never be undone. Homeless children must not be the invisible victims of this crisis.’