Child Poverty

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:22 pm on 7 March 2023.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 2:22, 7 March 2023

(Translated)

Thank you, First Minister, unfortunately, however, as we all know, levels of child poverty in Wales are getting worse, and it's clear from visits throughout my region, together with my casework, that the situation is critical for many families. Teachers tell me consistently that they're increasingly having to spend time supporting pupils and their families in terms of responding to the cost-of-living crisis, providing clothes for learners, setting up foodbanks or food pantries in schools, and also raising money so that learners have essentials in their homes, such as a fridge. They're also increasingly having to support learners who suffer from poor mental health because there are problems in terms of accessing services such as CAMHS. They are not complaining about doing that as teachers; they see it as an important part of supporting learners to reach their full potential. But they are complaining that their budgets are under pressure, that their workloads are increasing, that the salaries of classroom assistants are particularly low, meaning that some have to rely on foodbanks, and that the role that teachers and classroom assistants play in terms of responding to the increase in child poverty is not being recognised. Therefore, could I ask how the Welsh Government wants to work with our schools to reduce child poverty and to ensure that they have the resources to play their role in ensuring the best for our children and young people?