A survey of 500 parents and teachers of children in UK primary and secondary state schools has revealed a significant increase in children experiencing hygiene poverty in the past year.

According to Metro, “Dirty uniforms and PE kits, unwashed hair and unclean teeth were the most cited indicators of hygiene poverty by the staff.”

The research, from Smol, in partnership with the charity The Hygiene Bank, has found that almost three-quarters of teachers (71 per cent) have been aware of pupils who they knew or believed to be experiencing hygiene poverty in the past six months, not being able to afford many of the everyday hygiene and personal grooming products most of us take for granted. Seventy-four per cent of parents who have struggled to buy hygiene essentials in the past year had sent a child to school in unclean clothes at some point; almost one in five (18 per cent) said this had happened ‘several times’, and two per cent had even had to compromise washing socks and underwear.

The research reveals a concerning impact of hygiene poverty on children’s wellbeing and access to learning. Seventy-two per cent of teachers have witnessed pupils affected by low self-esteem, and half (50 per cent) noted an effect on their mental health, with teachers explaining that pupils are often ‘embarrassed’ about their situation. Fifty-three per cent of teachers reported children being isolated by their peers, and 53 per cent noted withdrawal; one teacher said that “students are often left with no desk partner in class”. Forty-three per cent of teachers witnessed bullying of pupils, with one teacher saying that “other students make nasty comments in front of the class to single them out”.

The issue is creating difficulties with learning, and 26 per cent of teachers have witnessed absenteeism as a result, which is disproportionately affecting secondary school pupils at a key point of their academic journey. Forty-seven per cent of secondary school teachers have seen a negative impact on children’s learning.

As the new term begins, 71 per cent expect the levels of hygiene poverty to have increased by this September and yet teachers state there is currently a concerning lack of support to address hygiene poverty. Almost half (49 per cent) of teachers stated that their school doesn’t offer support to affected families or they don't know if they do. Despite a significant issue of access to clean clothes, just 14 per cent of teachers said their school offers laundry facilities.

To help schools and families tackle the issue, challenger brand Smol, in collaboration with The Hygiene Bank, has launched the Suds in Schools initiative alongside its programme of support to the charity. Since 2021, Suds in Schools has provided mini laundrettes in over 50 UK schools, with washing dryer machines and free Smol laundry detergent- with over 40 schools nominated to receive the laundry facilities.

To reach the next milestone and roll the programme out to more schools in need, Suds in Schools is looking to raise £25,000 to establish an additional 25 laundrettes, providing clean clothes to families in need.

In the meantime, teachers are having to intervene personally, whilst 88 per cent believe the government should step in. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of teachers knew of school staff who have personally washed uniforms or PE kits, and almost one in five (16 per cent) had done so themselves. Over one in 10 (12 per cent) knew of staff handing out laundry detergent, given that almost half (47 per cent) of parents experiencing hygiene poverty say that this particular item is something they have struggled to afford.

The situation is taking a toll on teachers who are struggling to approach the issue emotionally, with one in five (21 per cent) expressing a desire to help but feeling unable to intervene and one explaining “a feeling of powerlessness”. One teacher explained it as a “tricky problem to raise,” with another explaining that the free hygiene products they gave out made recipients uncomfortable, “The ones that need it most do not feel comfortable taking them yet, and I find it a difficult conversation to have”.

Sarah Smith, executive headteacher of St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Academy in Blackpool, said, “We have seen an increase in students coming to school with unwashed uniforms, and we know that this has an effect on their mental health and overall wellbeing, which in turn will have a negative impact on their education. We’re grateful to partner with Smol so that Suds in Schools allows parents to wash their families’ clothes with no questions asked. We know that teachers at the schools also use the machines and detergent to wash students' clothes, when it’s needed. It’s a great support.”

Lucy Wishart of Smol, said, “We believe that everyone should have access to clean clothes, in order to live their life to the fullest - and our research shows just how much this can impact young people at a crucial stage in their academic and social lives.

“Smol launched the Suds in Schools laundrettes to help give children and their families clean clothes, with a supply of laundry detergent for as long as needed. With hygiene poverty increasing, it’s more important than ever for us to support more schools. Join us in making a difference by supporting the Suds in Schools programme through the Crowdfunder platform as every contribution, regardless of size, contributes to transforming the lives of children and families affected by hygiene poverty.”

Lizzy Hall, founder of The Hygiene Bank, said, “These important new findings from Smol build on The Hygiene Bank’s benchmark 2022 research publication, clearly demonstrating that hygiene poverty is on the rise in the UK and showing what a profound effect it has on families’ lives and life chances. Each month, parents have to pay their bills and purchase food - so often, hygiene products end up at the bottom of the list. Because laundry detergent can be a more expensive item, it cannot always be afforded. Initiatives like Suds in Schools are in huge demand, with schools in desperate need of this type of support. Together, we can help ensure these can get to more people who need them, and we are so grateful to Smol for this initiative and for partnering with us.”

For more information and to support the campaign, please visit www.crowdfunder.com/p/sudsinschools

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