A recent survey of school staff in the UK has revealed that the majority of teachers have witnessed children arriving at school in dirty clothes, with unwashed hair and unbrushed teeth over the past year. The survey, which included 500 school staff who interact with pupils at least five days per week, indicated that four in five (80%) believe there has been an increase in “hygiene poverty” issues in their school in the last year.
One-third of the school staff reported that the rise in hygiene poverty has been significant. Nearly three in 10 (28%) have seen children repeatedly miss school due to hygiene poverty. The poll, conducted by Censuswide in September, found that more than three in five (62%) have seen pupils with dirty uniforms or PE kits, while 60% have noted unwashed hair and unclean teeth.
The survey also highlighted that pupils affected by hygiene poverty have experienced low self-esteem, bullying, and isolation. Furthermore, nearly two in three (63%) school staff expect the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school in the coming year. School staff have gone above and beyond to support pupils in need, with some personally washing pupils’ uniforms and providing essential items like soap, toiletries, and laundry detergent.
On average, school staff spent around £27 out of their own pocket in the last year to support pupils facing hygiene poverty. To address this pressing issue, cleaning brand smol and charity The Hygiene Bank have launched a Clean Up Child Hygiene Poverty campaign. The campaign calls on the government to take action in its upcoming Child Poverty Strategy.
The survey estimated that school staff in the UK spent approximately £40 million of their own money supporting pupils with hygiene poverty issues in the past year. Ruth Brock, chief executive at The Hygiene Bank, emphasised the impact of hygiene poverty on children’s education and well-being, stressing the need for government intervention to ensure no child’s future is limited by this issue.
The campaign has received support from the NASUWT teaching union, urging members of the public to write to their local MPs to raise awareness of child hygiene poverty. Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, highlighted that no child should experience the shame of attending school in unclean clothes due to financial constraints.
Hilary Strong, the Suds in Schools initiative lead at smol, underscored the importance of maintaining children’s hygiene for their well-being and learning. Strong called for greater governmental support to combat child hygiene poverty collectively. The initiative aims to bring attention to the significant impact of hygiene poverty on children’s lives and the crucial role of teachers and organisations in providing essential support.
The findings of the survey shed light on the challenges faced by many children in the UK and underscore the need for comprehensive action to address hygiene poverty in schools. Teachers’ dedication to supporting pupils in need has been commendable, but a systemic approach is required to ensure that every child has access to basic hygiene essentials for their education and well-being.