Families beg us for handouts claim heads

THREE-QUARTERS of head teachers have seen a rise in parents begging schools for money or essentials in the last five years, a survey suggests.

The poll, by the National Association of Head Teachers union (NAHT), also found four in five saw an increase in the number of children arriving at school hungry in the same period. The responses from 400 mostly primary school heads across the country suggest teachers are having to use their own money – or precious school resources – to provide food and supplies.

Critics have blamed squeezes on council budgets and changes to universal credit for the rise. One head from Derbyshire said children are ‘just not ready to learn – they are embarrassed and ashamed,’ while another added: ‘I’ve seen parents weep because they can’t afford uniform or pay the dinner bill.’

NAHT president Judy Shaw said: ‘It is the 21st century and our children deserve better.’