Commenting on results from a survey undertaken by the Child Poverty Action Group, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, Layla Moran said:

“The work that teachers are doing in schools up and down the country to help families in poverty is truly inspiring. This report shows them going far beyond any reasonable expectation, helping ensure children are fed and have clean clothes.

“However this does not change the fact that this is a fundamentally unjust situation. We cannot expect pupils to be focused on getting the education they need if teachers are spending so much of their time administering basic care.

“The government must now support the Liberal Democrat policy to give free school meals to all primary school children, to deal with what could be a child poverty crisis. They must also look at ways to better fund councils so that more money can be made available for families In need.”