A Salford charity is calling for urgent action to be taken as new research shows a significant increase in child poverty within Catholic schools.
The findings that have shown an increase over the last three years were conducted by the charity Catholic Diocese of Salford.
The charity works alongside people experiencing poverty, homelessness, disadvantage and displacement across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
However, recent studies have shown there is a stark picture of child poverty amongst Catholic schools.
More than 95 per cent of headteachers and school leaders who contributed to the research cited that the number of children living in poverty has risen, with 35 per cent stating the increase has been significant.
42 per cent of respondents believe that more than half of the children in their school are affected by poverty-related issues, with half of the respondents stating that poverty affects more than 75 per cent of their pupils.
98 per cent of the school leaders that took part in the research believe that poverty and deprivation impacts the educational outcomes of their students, with almost two-thirds (63 per cent) indicating the impact is severe.
During a time of overstretched public services, particularly social care and mental health support, schools are increasingly stepping in to fill the gaps.
As one headteacher said: “If not us, then who?”
Following the results, Patrick O’Dowd, director of Caritas Salford, said: “It is clear from the data that children consistently have the highest poverty rates when compared with other groups. We believe this is unacceptable.
“Growing up in poverty is known to have significant and long-lasting consequences, particularly when it comes to health and educational outcomes and attainment.”
He continued: “These statistics that schools have provided are incredibly shocking, but they aren’t just numbers on a page. Each one is a young life, and urgent action needs to be taken right now.
“We want a world where no child should have to live in poverty – that shouldn’t be too much to ask. Everyone deserves to live happily and with dignity in a safe, secure and supported environment, whatever their age – but especially the youngest in our communities.”
Patrick added: “We see the amazing work schools do to try and support those families too, but with ever-stretched resources, tough decisions need to be made every single day.
“It’s a difficult balancing act. A strong tide that is proving impossible to turn without urgent action from key decision makers locally, regionally and nationally.”
One respondent said: “A head teacher’s role mirrors the role of a social worker more each day as the needs of our children and families increase.”
Another stated: “Poverty is linked with so many other issues that build significant barriers to learning – children have no headspace for learning because there are often so many other things going on in their lives.”
Patrick O’Dowd continued: “People in our communities, including schools, are doing amazing work, showing incredible resilience despite the challenges they face.
“There isn’t a simple answer, and resolving poverty is a complex, multi-faceted issue, but the time for talking and vote-seeking rhetoric is over. This is real lives we are talking about – real young people – and they are being damaged often in irreparable ways.
“We urge that action be taken. It’s already too late for many, but we’re optimistic for a better future for families, children and young people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.”
And further efforts are being made around Salford, with the city council aiming to become a leader in Greater Manchester for their pioneering approach to addressing poverty.
The Salford City Council have launched the HAF Programme that aims to achieve providing healthy meals to children eligible for free school meals, as well as children who are at risk of food insecurity and meet specific criteria.
A spokesperson at Salford City Council said: “As the first place in the UK with ambition to become a Living Wage City, the council has continued to invest in essential services that directly support the most vulnerable.
“Initiatives like the HAF Programme is vital in our efforts to support families, especially children and reduce inequality while improving the overall health and wellbeing of our local people.
“The fact remains, though, that too many children and families in Salford and across the UK continue to live unacceptably on the breadline.
“Which is why working collaboratively with residents as well as vital services and partnerships across the city is imperative to ensure poverty prevention and reduction remains at the heart of everything we do, so we are responsive to local needs,” the Council continued.
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