Food for thought
More than a quarter of teachers see rise in numbers
MORE than a quarter of teachers at Scottish schools have reported an increase in hungry children since they returned.
A survey of teachers across the country found 27 per cent had witnessed a rise on the same time last year.
But in schools with above average levels of disadvantaged children the figure is 40 per cent.
Almost two-thirds of the teachers surveyed said they expected more children coming to school hungry once the government furlough scheme ends next month. Children’s charity Magic Breakfast and partner Heinz are raising awareness of the one in five children at risk of starting the school day hungry.
They have produced a film, Silence the Rumble, to demonstrate the effect hunger has on a child.
Heinz is providing millions of Beanz breakfasts for children suffering from food poverty and hopes to ensure that no child is too hungry to learn.
At St Bride’s Primary in Cowdenbeath, all pupils can come to school for a free Magic Breakfast before classes.
Head teacher Jo-Anne Angel said: “No headteacher would disagree with the research which says a third of teachers are identifying more children coming to school hungry.
“We see in the classroom a lack of focus, children struggle to begin tasks or stay on tasks and there is tiredness.
“But when we get down to it, hunger prevents children achieving their aspirations and their full capabilities. It further increases the poverty-related attainment gap which all schools in Scotland are currently striving to close.”
When St Bride’s returned last month, the breakfast club was unable to resume straight away until arrangements were made for social distancing. Jo-Anne said: “Before “the club startestarted back up again we did have children coming to us saying they hadn’t had breakfast and that is the experience of many teachers across Fife, across Scotland, just now.”
Magic Breakfast CEO Alex Cunningham said: “This research shows how much more there is left to do to tackle child hunger as a barrier to learning, especially given the greater hardship facing families in light of the pandemic.”