Poor hygiene in schools due to child poverty, teachers say

More than a quarter of kids (28%) are missing school because they don’t have clean uniforms or PE kits, a heartbreaking new survey reveals.

One in four homes with children live in ‘hygiene poverty’ because their parents can’t afford to run the washing machine, or buy toiletries or spare uniform.

A ‘significant’ increase

The survey, commissioned by the Hygiene Bank charity and cleaning brand smol, found most teachers (62%) have noticed more pupils arriving at school in dirty or unwashed clothes this past year. Similarly, 60% observed students with unwashed hair and poor dental hygiene.

About one-third of teachers described this increase as ‘significant’, while 80% say it’s getting worse.

The Hygiene Bank and smol estimate school staff spent £40m of their own money supporting kids affected by hygiene poverty by washing pupils' uniforms themselves or buying toiletries and detergent for their families. On average, they spent around £27 from their own pockets.

smol has even installed free ‘mini laundrettes’ at 100 schools to help keep kids in clean clothes.

‘Silent crisis’

Earlier this year, the Hygiene Bank said struggling to buy basic essential toiletries was the first sign of families falling into crisis, noting that people were choosing between eating or washing their clothes.

The charity’s chief executive, Ruth Brock says hygiene poverty is a “growing problem”, urging the government’s child poverty taskforce to urgently tackle things.

She added: “Hygiene poverty is a silent crisis that impacts not only children's health and wellbeing, but also their ability to participate fully in school, potentially limiting their life chances.

“Teachers need to be able to teach; they should not be left to fill the gap, financially and emotionally, by providing these essentials.”

The government says they’re “taking action”, launching the child poverty taskforce, as well as capping branded school uniform costs and introducing free breakfast clubs.

What help is available?

Hygiene poverty impacts millions of people. Toiletries aren't merely a luxury; they are vital for daily life.

Various charities and community groups offer free toiletries to families with low incomes or those facing difficulties, such as the Hygiene Bank, Beauty Banks or Toiletries Amnesty.

Some food banks will also give out toiletries – read more in our guide about the support food banks provide.

If you’re struggling with your energy bills, help’s available for that too. Lots of suppliers offer grants which might just be the extra support you need.