Commenting on the Institute of Fiscal Studies research on the challenges needed to address inequalities in education, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“This research is a stark account of the desperate inequality prevalent in society. School and colleges witness the result of this daily. More children than ever are coming to school hungry, tired and without adequate clothing. Access to SEND and mental health support is all but decimated.
‘Schools do all they can to alleviate the problems children and young people face, but these barriers and patterns of disadvantage should not exist. All political parties need to make a commitment to ensuring every school is properly funded, every child benefits from a free nutritious, school meal and every child has the professional support needed to thrive.
‘Education attainment should not be limited or determined by young people’s background and a more equal society and properly funded public services for children and families will benefits everyone in society”.