A recent survey conducted by homelessness charity Shelter revealed that more than half of teachers in England, approximately 52%, have encountered homeless children at their schools in the last year. Of these teachers, nearly a third, or 31%, directly interacted with homeless students, while an additional 20% were aware of homeless children in their school community.
The survey, which involved 7,127 state school teachers, highlighted the detrimental impact of homelessness on children’s education and well-being. Teachers reported that homelessness led to poor academic performance, tiredness, missed school days, and mental health issues among students. Specifically, 75% of teachers observed a decline in academic outcomes due to homelessness, while 92% noted that homelessness contributed to students arriving at school fatigued.
Moreover, the survey indicated that homelessness significantly affected the mental health of children, with three-quarters of teachers acknowledging this impact. In response to these challenges, organizations such as NASUWT and Labour have introduced initiatives to combat homelessness, aiming to reduce homelessness rates and improve support for affected families.
Shelter emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing solutions to address the growing crisis. The CEO of Shelter, Sarah Elliott, emphasized the importance of providing stable and secure homes for children to thrive academically. Meanwhile, teachers and education leaders stressed the critical role of the government in addressing housing issues to ensure that no child’s education and future opportunities are compromised by homelessness.
One mother, Ayeasha Pemberton, shared her distressing experience of being homeless for 12 years with her 14-year-old son, highlighting the disruptive impact on her son’s education and emotional well-being. Ayeasha emphasized the need for fair treatment and stable housing for families facing homelessness.
Efforts to address homelessness and its effects on children are crucial, with educators, organizations, and policymakers advocating for comprehensive strategies to provide secure housing and support for vulnerable families.