Millions of pupils are struggling to learn because of unstable family environments, mental health challenges and poor attendance, a major children’s charity has warned.
Action for Children commissioned a survey of more than 7,000 teachers in England who reported that almost two-fifths of their students (37%) – equivalent to 3.3 million schoolchildren– faced barriers to their education.
The most common barriers were unstable family environments; behavioural or emotional issues; mental health challenges, and poor attendance.
Just 2% of teachers said they believed students facing these challenges would reach their expected grades by the end of the academic year.
Action for Children urged the Government to make it a legal requirement for councils to provide early help services, backed with ‘significant funding’.
The charity’s national director for England, Catherine 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.’
