In the third edition of our Expert Series we hear from Sarah Loy, Family Support Manager at School-Home Support (SHS). She shares her expertise on supporting families who are experiencing poverty and economic challenges as a barrier to good school attendance.
By Sarah Loy
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Sarah’s responsibilities include the safeguarding of children and families we support as well as leading the economic wellbeing programmes and activities run by our practitioners.
She comes from a background of 20 years in education. Her previous role was Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) of a primary school in the heart of Blackpool. As a mum of 5, Sarah understands the ups and downs of family life. She is passionate about young people and families reaching their full potential and thriving by getting them the right support at the right time. |
As someone who works directly with children and families at School-Home Support (SHS), I see the impact of poverty on school attendance and education everyday.
Some children we support don’t have access to healthy nutritious meals, to health services and dental care, to a safe home, to transport to school, to a clean uniform or to the materials they need to bring to school. Poverty impacts children’s ability to be in school and ready to learn in multiple, interconnected ways, preventing them from getting the education they deserve.
We are seeing high numbers of vulnerable families we support living in poverty. Recent research from the End Child Poverty Coalition revealed that 4.5 million children in the UK—around 31% of all children—were living in poverty in 2023/24.
Young people and their families are facing unprecedented challenges and they urgently need money in their pockets as well as access to services and support networks that can alleviate the impact of poverty on school attendance, education and wellbeing.
The attainment gap: understanding the impact of poverty on school attendance and education
Attending school is vital not only for children’s academic success, but also for breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty, improving social mobility, and supporting their overall wellbeing. The implications for opportunity are clear: when children are not in school, they miss out on crucial learning experiences that affect both their educational outcomes and the development of key skills needed for the workplace.
According to the Department for Education, just 27.2% of pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and Maths in 2022, compared to 56.7% of non-FSM pupils. This attainment gap has long-term repercussions: children who miss out on education are less likely to access well-paid employment, increasing their reliance on welfare benefits.
That’s why lifting children and their families out of poverty is essential. We must act now so every child can have the opportunity to thrive, learn, and build a brighter future.
When Olivia’s family was referred to School-Home Support (SHS) by the school, they were facing overwhelming financial and emotional hardship. Dad had recently been diagnosed with cancer, had suffered two strokes, and was signed off work while undergoing treatment. He was making progress to rebuild his life, but the children’s mother left unexpectedly.
Now caring for Olivia (aged 14) and Emma (aged 9), alongside his new partner Hana, the family of four were living in a cramped two-bedroom flat. The living conditions were extremely difficult: the flat wasn’ in a good condition, the children’s beds were broken, and they were sleeping on sofas—leaving them tired, anxious and unable to concentrate at school.
Emma, who has an education and healthcare plan (EHCP), often came to school in clothes unsuitable for the weather. At home, the family couldn’t afford enough food, and other essentials like devices, stationery or food. The school had provided some food vouchers, but it was clear that deeper, longer-term support was needed.
School-Home Support Practitioner Abe stepped in to work closely with the family. Abe spent some time talking to Dad and Olivia to find out more about their family life.
Abe applied for a grant from Buttle UK to buy some essential items for Olivia and Emma which included a laptop, a tablet, a gymnastics class and music lessons, new bed frames and mattresses, clothing, shoes, school uniform, bedding, a piano, stationery and books.
The impact of this support was immediate. Olivia, preparing for her GCSEs, gained access to a laptop, which allowed her to complete assignments, revise for exams and build her confidence in learning. Emma began using her tablet for school apps and extra learning activities. The new beds allowed them to sleep better, focus more in school, and come to class ready to learn.
Olivia school attendance, which had been at 88% when support began, increased to 93%. Their emotional wellbeing has also improved and Dad’s engagement with school is more positive and consistent too.
Olivia and Emma made a handmade thank-you card for Abe (their SHS practitioner) with the message:
“Thank you for helping us and our family. We love you.”
We know school leaders are doing everything they can to support children and their families but they can’t do this alone. Budgets in schools are stretched and capacity from teachers, headteachers and pastoral staff is reduced due to the increasing demand for support.
But there’s something we can do. Here are my top five recommendations for how schools can help families facing financial challenges. These actions can build trust, strengthen relationships, and remove barriers to attendance.
Improving attendance is not just about getting children through the school gates—it’s about ensuring they are ready to learn, feel safe, and are supported both at home and at school.
I believe when schools invest in early, whole-family support and build trusting relationships with parents and carers, they create the foundations for better educational outcomes, wellbeing and brighter futures.
I have heard lots of talk about reducing child poverty in the news recently. We welcome the expansion of free school meals for families receiving universal credit. But for children to benefit from it, they have to be in school.
We think the government should go further and faster in securing additional resources for schools to support families with attendance issues and financial challenges.
That’s why we made recommendations to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and we created a Route Map for the government outlining practical, cost-effective steps to tackle the school attendance crisis by investing in and working with families, schools and local services.
Find out more and get involved in our campaigning work.
To sum up, I think It is essential for education professionals to recognise and understand the challenges families face. And, to work in partnership with the government, social services and children organisations to lessen the impact of poverty on school attendance and education.
The challenges a child faces at home do not disappear when they step into the classroom. If these issues remain unresolved, school attendance stops being a priority. A child cannot focus on learning if they are hungry, anxious, or unsure where they will sleep that night.
That’s why at School-Home Support, we don’t just look at the child—we look at the entire family unit to unpick the root causes of persistent and severe absence.
Our model offers practical and bespoke solutions with interventions that range from light touch support to long-term interventions that are sustainable long-term.
We work with parents and carers to build capacity and resilience. And we work with schools to ensure that poverty does not prevent any child from accessing the education they need and deserve.
Do you want to learn more about how your school can support families with attendance issues and financial challenges?
Get in touch with our team now to find out more about School-Home Support services for your school.
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