In England, over half of teachers, specifically 52%, have been employed at schools where homeless children attend within the last year. Nearly 31% of teachers have personally interacted with homeless students, while an additional 20% were aware of homeless children within their school community whom they did not teach directly.
A comprehensive survey conducted by the charity Shelter involved 7,127 state school teachers, revealing the challenges faced by children without secure housing. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) survey also highlighted the detrimental effects of homelessness on children, including exhaustion, school absenteeism, and mental health issues.
Teachers reported that homelessness negatively impacted children’s academic performance, with 75% stating it led to poor exam results. Additionally, 92% noted that homelessness caused children to arrive at school feeling tired. The survey also highlighted that 83% of children missed school due to their housing situation, often due to sudden changes in temporary accommodations.
Moreover, three-quarters of teachers emphasized the significant impact of homelessness on the mental well-being of their students. In response to this crisis, the Labour Party unveiled a new National Plan to End Homelessness, aiming to reduce street homelessness and eliminate families’ prolonged stays in inadequate accommodations.
Shelter disclosed that more than 175,000 children are currently residing in temporary housing, frequently being relocated between various inadequate housing options. Sarah Elliott, CEO of Shelter, stressed the detrimental effects of homelessness on children’s education and called for urgent government action to provide affordable housing solutions.
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of NASUWT, expressed concern about the long-term consequences of homelessness on children’s education and future prospects. He emphasized the need for secure housing to prevent lasting impacts on children’s learning abilities. Paul Whiteman, from the NAHT union, urged the government to take decisive action to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure that no child’s opportunities are hindered by unstable housing conditions.
In response to these challenges, an MHCLG spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting homeless children in schools and implementing a comprehensive homelessness strategy to address the underlying causes of homelessness.
Ayeasha Pemberton, a mother who experienced homelessness for 12 years with her son, shared the distressing impact of unstable housing on their lives. She highlighted the disruptions to her son’s education and emotional well-being caused by frequent relocations. Ayeasha called for fair treatment for families facing homelessness and stressed the importance of providing stable and suitable housing for all children.
The stories of teachers and families underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts from policymakers, organizations, and communities to address the housing crisis affecting vulnerable children and families across the country.