Overview
- ASCL published a report saying the burden on school and college staff has never been higher, citing duties such as running food banks, supporting housing needs and mediating family disputes.
- The roadmap says broader welfare tasks should not fall to schools, listing dental checks, family health, out-of-hours social media behaviour, local parking issues and housing or benefits support.
- It outlines responsibilities schools could take on if properly resourced, including providing pupil technology, supporting personal hygiene, meeting EHCP commitments and work to reduce youth violence.
- Evidence cited includes a University of Bristol study finding schools have become major providers of charitable aid, with around one in five running a food bank.
- The Department for Education points to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and measures expanding free school meals, limiting branded uniform items and rolling out free breakfast clubs, with a child poverty strategy expected in the autumn.