Introduction
According to the latest parliamentary research on poverty in the UK, the rising prices of essential products and services means income is set to fall for everyone over the next two years, and child poverty is expected to reach its highest levels since the late 1990s by 2028.
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A child’s life chances are dependent upon a complex combination of household income, equality of opportunities and level of social inclusion. While some children who grow up in low-income households will go on to achieve their full potential, many others will not. Poverty places strains on family life, excludes children from the everyday activities of their peers and can lead to homelessness.
Tackling child poverty will help to improve children’s lives today, and enhance their life chances, enabling them to make the most of their talents, achieve their full potential in life and pass on the benefits to their own children.
Definition of poverty
There is no single definition of poverty. In the UK, there are two main ways that poverty is measured: the UK poverty line (based mainly on income) and the newer Social Metric Commission's poverty measure which considers other factors.
Essentially:
“People experience poverty when they don’t have enough money or resources to meet basic needs, like not being able to buy food, or to heat their home. If you’re living in poverty, it can impact every part of your life and leave you feeling like you can’t do things that other people take for granted.”
Trust for London (2023)
Extent of poverty
The turbulence of the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed into a cost-of-living crisis, and some families are having to choose between essentials such as food and heating.
Many of the groups who were already struggling with poverty have borne the brunt of the covid pandemic, including part-time workers, low-paid workers, those in accommodation and hospitality services, lone-parent families, Black and minority ethnic households, and those in rented properties. Now, they’re struggling to afford the essentials.
The latest annual report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says the cost-of-living crisis is having a wide-ranging effect on poorer households who have less of a buffer against rising costs.
- 1-in-4 children in the are living in poverty. (Barnardos, 2024)
- Around 4-in-10 families are spending less on food for their children. (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2023)
- A survey of 1,000 family support workers revealed nearly half of the children they worked with live in destitution, meaning they are going without the essentials needed to eat and stay warm, dry, and clean. (Buttle UK, 2022)
- More than 1-in-7 parents said their child(ren) had to share a bed because they can’t afford another bed. (Barnardo’s, 2023)
The Cost of Living crisis is having a huge impact on children’s education and wellbeing, as the numbers for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are increasing, the challenges that children and young people are facing become more intense than ever. If parents and carers are unable to afford the bare essentials such as utilities, food or even beds for their children, how do we expect them to thrive in education and become their best selves?
Poverty and safeguarding
Parents struggling to make ends meet can feel anger or sometimes guilt at the unfairness they see affecting their children. Most do a tremendous job of minimising the impact wherever they can, trying to ensure their children are well cared for and feel valued.
However, poverty can be a factor in children being at risk of harm due to the stresses it creates in families and the limitations it places on choice, even though it is not a safeguarding matter in itself. It can lead to safeguarding concerns such as:
- children’s basic needs not being met (food, warmth, clothing);
- social isolation;
- the impact of stress within a household (including emotional abuse or domestic abuse);
- effects on learning and development;
- the impact of long working hours (e.g., increasing strains on relationships, reducing the supervision of children);
- caring responsibilities;
- poor self-esteem and emotional health issues (in child and/or parent);
- a risk of substance misuse (in child and/or parent).
Spot the signs
Organisations working with children and young people are in a key position to support them. Research shows that children and parents are unlikely to tell us what is happening, and it’s knowing the children and recognising changes in them that flags concerns in the first instance. For example:
- tiredness;
- persistent hunger;
- poor concentration;
- lower attainment;
- non-attendance on educational trips/involvement in educational activities where there is a cost;
- stress and/or anxiety.
What to do
Create an open and approachable culture in your setting – help students think about the issues and attitudes behind poverty, particularly in relation to equality. Create aspiration and opportunity through high-quality education, while being aware of the limits and pressures on families, children and young people.
- Be aware of the effects of child poverty.
- Educate children about money management and budgeting, fostering a sense of understanding and age-appropriate responsibility.
- Support students and families.
- Signpost to support services, ensuring that this is through as many different routes as possible (e.g., leaflets, posters, conversations, etc.).
Consider how vulnerabilities might impact individuals – think about the increased risk of exploitation, and the barriers to attainment or to making safe decisions. Talk to children in advance about holiday periods and assess the risks of ‘holiday hunger’, loneliness and neglect. Recognise the stresses around key times of year, such as the commercial pressures around Christmas.
Consider avenues of support including local early help mechanisms.
Take action - If you have concerns that a child may be being neglected and/or abused, consider what help you can offer and follow your safeguarding procedures.
FREE poverty poster
This free, downloadable resource raises the profile of safeguarding for your staff team. For use in staff rooms, on safeguarding boards or on the back of toilet doors, the poster includes tips, a space for local contact details, plus a link and QR codes to this resource page. Download the poster from the resources below.
DSL Training Materials
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Poverty Quiz
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Poverty Quiz Answers
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Poverty Scenario Primary and Secondary
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Poverty Scenario Primary and Secondary - DSL Information
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Poverty Scenario Early Years
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Poverty Scenario Early Years - DSL Information
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Poverty Whole Group Exercise
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Poverty Whole Group Exercise - DSL Information
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Homelessness and Poverty Presentation
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Homelessness and Poverty Presenter Notes
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Homelessness and Poverty Handout
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Homelessness Scenario (16+ settings)
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Homelessness Scenario (16+ settings) - DSL Information
Resources
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Poverty poster
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What's Poverty Like?
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The Relationship Between Poverty and Child Abuse and Neglect: New Evidence
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The cause of food bank use
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State of Child Poverty
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A Crisis on our Doorstep
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UK Poverty 2023
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