INCREASING numbers of children in Scotland are arriving at school hungry, wearing ragged clothing and with no energy for learning, according to a survey of teachers published today.

More than two-thirds of those questioned said that they had helped individual families with money, food and clothing.

At some schools, pupils have organised clothing banks for poorer classmates.

The devastating effects of the cost-of-living crisis on Scotland’s poorest families is exposed by the survey for the NASUWT teaching union.

Teachers, acting both collectively and individually, have organised school foodbanks together.

Almost two-thirds of respondents to the survey — 65 per cent — reported that the number of pupils coming to school hungry was increasing and 57 per cent said that more were arriving wearing dirty or damaged clothes and unsuitable footwear.

A rising number of children lacked the equipment they need for learning.

Teachers also said that the impact of financial hardship on families is negatively affecting pupils’ behaviour, energy and concentration.

Comments recorded by the survey included: “I donated to schools a collection of toiletries for distribution to pupils’ families.”

Another said: “I am always providing stationery, snacks, books, water to my pupils.”

NASUWT national official Scotland Mike Corbett said: “It is outrageous that we should be seeing more and more families who are struggling or unable to feed, clothe or keep a roof over their children’s heads.”

He called for immediate Scottish government funding for universal free school meals.

Scottish Labour education spokesman Michael Marra said: “This devastating survey shows the toll this cost-of-living crisis is having on children and young people across Scotland. 

“It is a national scandal that children are going to school without the food, clothes, and materials they need. 

“Pupils who have already had their education thrown into chaos during the pandemic are once again being let down.”