A recent survey shows teachers overwhelmed by children’s unmet basic needs, raising concerns for Labour
Boston: A recent survey found that many teachers feel overwhelmed. One-third said their schools help kids with teeth brushing. Even more concerning, many children arrive at school not toilet trained. Teachers are spending time feeding and changing kids, which adds to their stress.
It’s tough for teachers. They didn’t sign up to take on parenting roles. Many are frustrated that some parents aren’t fulfilling their responsibilities. This issue is growing and can’t be ignored anymore. Child poverty and neglect are affecting education in serious ways.
Take St Nicholas Church of England Primary Academy, for example. It’s in a deprived area of Lincolnshire. Last year, 71 kids moved in and out of the school. Almost 70% of the students speak a language other than English at home. Many come to school with unhealthy snacks.
Sadly, St Nicholas isn’t alone. A BBC survey showed that two-thirds of senior teachers provided food for students outside school hours. Many parents are struggling financially and time-wise. Last year, 4.3 million kids lived in relative poverty, with many in single-parent homes.
There’s a cultural shift happening too. Expectations for parenting seem to be slipping. Up to 90% of teachers report dealing with kids aged four to seven who aren’t toilet trained. When did this become acceptable? It used to be a source of shame.
Today, some parents blame their busy lives for not teaching basic skills. This isn’t right. Children are growing up in fragmented homes, and public services are feeling the strain. Tooth decay is now a leading reason for kids aged six to ten being hospitalized.
Labour’s plan for supervised tooth brushing in schools is helpful but misses the bigger picture. We need better parenting, not just to relieve parents of their basic duties. Should schools also handle nappy changing?
Teachers shouldn’t have to parent kids. It’s time to advocate for children’s needs. People often say we shouldn’t judge parents, but that excuse is lazy. We can’t keep failing our kids out of fear of upsetting parents.
What good is trying hard if kids grow up with poor hygiene and social skills? We need to support parents, but we can’t ignore the truth. Teachers are not nannies, yet many are leaving the profession due to stress and burnout.
It’s time for a change. It takes a village to raise a child, and society must step up. Schools can’t fill the gaps for kids from neglectful homes anymore.
