SFE Safeguarding Education Adviser, Lucie Welch, has created a free resource for schools discussing the difference between “poverty” and “neglect” and how we can support children in each case.

In this resource, we dive into the concepts of poverty and neglect, including the signs for teachers to look out for, and the steps you can take to help.

We recommend you download and print off the resource to share with your staff, to help encourage discussion and consideration within your team and the wider school community.

You can also find a blog version below.

This resource was originally created for the SFE Safeguarding Subscription.

The rising cost of living may be leaving many families concerned about financial strains, with the summer holidays potentially being an added source of pressure. 

What is poverty?   

Poverty is when a family lack the finances or resources to provide an adequate diet or appropriate living conditions.  

People tend to equate poverty to having limited or no money, but it is defined by being unable to provide a decent standard of living for oneself or their family. 

Around 29% of families across the UK live in poverty. 

What is neglect? 

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs and is the most common form of child abuse.  

Neglect can be wilful and intentional, but it can also be as a result of other circumstances which render a parent unable to provide what their child needs, for example parental drug or alcohol misuse or mental health issues.  

1 in 10 children in the UK have experienced neglect in their lifetime. 

Poverty Is a Risk Factor for Neglect, But Poverty Does Not Equate to Neglect… 

The occurrence of poverty on its own does not mean that a child is unsafe or at risk, unloved, or that a parent lacks the capacity to care for their child.  

Poverty can make it more challenging for parents to meet their child’s needs, but despite this they actively want to change their situation or provide for their children, but they do not have the means.  

But recent research has proved that increased financial and other pressures on family life will lead to the risk that more children will be subject to harm, abuse and neglect. 

Signs of Poverty and Neglect: 

• Poor hygiene and cleanliness* 
• Inappropriate uniform, shoes or clothing* 
• Lack of food provided or money for food* 
• Malnutrition* 
• Missing school equipment or other required items* 
• Poor or inappropriate living conditions* 
• Negative impact on mental health and self-worth* 
• Tiredness or inability to concentrate at school* 
• Stealing or taking things to use, eat or sell* 
• Children being left home alone* 

Signs of Poverty: 

• Parents requesting support from school 
• Children working jobs outside school 
• Children concerned about parents and situation 

Signs of Neglect: 

• No or limited access to health care 
• Repeated absence from school 
• Lack of parental involvement 

*Many of the signs are the same for both neglect and poverty and professional curiosity must be used to find out more about a situation so action can be taken.

Taking Action… 

Against Poverty: 

• Support: Provide ‘extended’ services where possible- homework support, uniforms, free school meals or wrap around care. 
• Signpost: There are organisations who can provide support for families who are struggling with the cost of living. Have resources available to share with parents. 
• Teach: Ensure children are taught about money and how to manage as part of the curriculum.

Against Neglect: 

• Refer: If you suspect a child is experiencing neglect you must refer to your local authority threshold guidance and speak to children’s social care. 
• Train:  All staff must be trained to look out for the signs of neglect and know what to do if they identify children at risk. 
• Teach: Children should be taught to identify the signs themselves and to speak up if they are not being treated correctly. 

If you would like support with how to deal with concerns regarding poverty or neglect, please feel free to contact our safeguarding team at safeguarding@servicesforeducation.co.uk

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 About the Author

Lucie Welch – Adviser, Services For Education

Lucie Welch has worked in Primary Education for over 15 years, holding a range of leadership positions including Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children. Having worked across several local authorities and multi-academy trusts, Lucie has developed extensive expertise in safeguarding and supporting children and young people to thrive both academically and personally.

At Services For Education, Lucie is a member of the Safeguarding Team, working with schools, colleges, trusts and other educational settings across Birmingham and beyond. She delivers statutory safeguarding and training, supports organisations through safeguarding audits and reviews and works collaboratively with leaders to strengthen safeguarding culture and practice.

Alongside her safeguarding work, Lucie leads the impactful Health for Life programme across Birmingham, supporting schools to promote healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and positive outcomes for pupils, families and wider communities. Drawing on her extensive school leadership experience, she also contributes to teacher development through her previous work with the SCITT programme and as a facilitator of the Early Career Framework (ECF), supporting trainee and Early Career Teachers to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for successful careers in education.