What is the reason for this?

[youngmafbog]

http://news.sky.com/s...fed-by-their-teachers

So 79% of teachers claim that pupils turn up hungry, I note that 'hungry' was not defined and as kids are always hungry (having had four myself I am a pretty good authority) what does this actually mean?

2/3 of teachers in the teachers survey reckon it's down to lack of care (busy trying to get to work?, not bothering because the child 'accessory' is now becoming a pain perhaps? )

Hardly surprising from a bunch of left wingers 57% blamed lack of money. This I am very doubtful about. I wonder how many of these parents pitch up to the school fag in hand? Food does not have to be expensive(so long as you are not trying to fed your family from the takeaway or ready meals).

So, fellow ABers, what are your thoughts?

[ummmm]

You obviously have never been truly skint.

[naomi24]

I think children who arrive at school hungry are the offspring of parents who can't be bothered to make sure they have something to eat before leaving home. No one is so hard up that they can't afford to give their child a slice of toast - and if they are, then they aren't spending their money on the right things.

[ummmm]

You really believe that?

When I split with my partner I had a mortgage to pay, bills to pay, on a wage that barely covered them. My kids didn't go hungry because I had family. I certainly went hungry though.

[magsmay]

Don't think its anything to do with being able to AFFORD food. i was stood waiting for the school bus with my youngest son and one child was eating a packet of crisps - I know his mum and dad have full time good jobs (one is a nurse). i remarked that crisps were not a healthy breakfast and he replied 'I know but mum couldn't be bothered to go shopping and we have nothing else in ...

[emmie]

children shouldn't be going hungry and i agree with Naomi.

[naomi24]

Ummmm, Yes, I do - and I've been there too.

[ummmm]

Sometimes life throws crap at you.

It's the 'fag in hand' comment. I don't know any parent 'luckily' that would put fags before feeding their kids.

[naomi24]

//Sometimes life throws crap at you. //

Yes, it does - but whatever crap you have to deal with, feeding your child must be your main priority. Sadly, for some, it is not.

[ludwig]

// Two-thirds of 500 teachers surveyed (68%) said the main reason was parents not caring if their children have a decent breakfast.

Some 57% of teachers suggested a lack of money was to blame for pupils not being fed at home. //

The second sentence seems to contradict the first. If kids are going to school hungry I'd put that down to bad parenting rather than lack of money.

[ummmm]

I'm thinking of the parents that do truly try.

We have to pay our bills and mortgages. Buy food with what you have left and hope it lasts until next payday.

I'm not talking about parents that can't be bothered to go shopping, or put their own wants first.

My kids don't eat breakfast, by choice.

[factor-fiction]

Porridge made with hot water is a very inexpensive and healthy way to start the day. Costs far less than a bag of crisps or can of pop. But I think often the parents find it easier to give the child a couple of pounds, send them out early and tell them to call at the Spar for breakfast.

[aelmpvw]

i thought the main problem was obese children?

[ummmm]

It costs me £25 a week for my kids dinner money. Some people can't afford that.

[naomi24]

Don't children of people on low incomes still get free school dinners?

[ummmm]

Yes, but they are means tested. Means testing doesn't take into account your overheads.

[naomi24]

Well then, packed lunch it is.

[ummmm]

I'm just saying, not all parents are feckless with their money.

[naomi24]

No, they're not - but there's no excuse for a child going to school hungry.

[ummmm]

So what happens when someone literally hasn't a penny to their name and the cupboards are bare?

[naomi24]

I'd have to ask why they are in that situation.