Half of UK schools support families through tough times

Teachers are stepping in to help with more than just lessons.  

A new BBC report shows schools have been providing food, as well as financial and emotional support, to families facing financial hardship, housing issues and mental health challenges.  

In the last 12 months: 

• Nearly half of teachers (45%) have given financial support to families. 

• Two-thirds (66%) have provided food for pupils outside school hours. 

• 15% of teachers have spent their own money to help struggling families. 

• A third of teachers (34%) have helped children with teeth-brushing. 

One school in one of the most deprived parts of Lincolnshire told the BBC how they are supporting families facing extreme hardship, including homelessness and debt.  

They provide emergency ‘grab bags’ with essentials like pyjamas, food and school uniforms for children in crisis. 

Paul Whiteman from the NAHT school leaders’ union said that it is “vital” that schools’ time and budgets are freed up to focus on learning.  

“There needs to be a greater safety net for children and families to get the support they need from central and local government and community services, and it’s vital the government’s child poverty taskforce delivers tangible recommendations which help address the root causes of poverty,” he said.  

If you’re struggling, you may be entitled to support  

Check your benefits 

It’s important to check if you’re receiving all the benefits you're entitled to.  

Some of the benefits you may be able to claim are:  

• child benefit 

• universal credit  

• carer’s allowance  

• council tax reduction  

• pension credit  

• jobseeker’s allowance  

An easy way to work out if you can get any benefits is to use our benefits calculator.  

Cost of living support  

The government has set up various schemes to help families with the rising cost of living: 

• The household support fund (HSF) provides one-off payments to low-income families, pensioners and those facing financial hardship. This can help cover food, energy bills and other essential costs. 

• Discretionary housing payments can provide extra help with rent or moving costs if you're receiving housing benefits. 

• Free school meals are available if you qualify for certain benefits, such as income support, universal credit, or others.  

You can apply for cost-of-living support through your local council. 

You can also speak to Citizens Advice or your school if you need extra financial support. 

Help with bills 

If you’re struggling with rising energy bills, there’s support you might be eligible for: 

• energy supplier grants 

• British Gas Energy Trust 

• fuel vouchers 

• priority services register 

• grants for home energy improvements 

• warm home discount  

• winter fuel payment  

Water bills