Commenting on the new IFS report on Youth Club Closures which found that young people who lost access to youth clubs in their local area were more likely to have poor education outcomes and increased offending rates, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said:

“Over the last fourteen years, we have seen support services for children and young people starved of funding and resources by the Conservative government. Sadly, it is no surprise to see a direct correlation between falling levels of support for children and young people and increased markers for inequality.  
                                                                                                              
“In schools, we’re seeing the same trends. The cost of living crisis has hit schools and families hard, and the COVID pandemic was the last straw for support systems already at breaking point.

“In our most recent member survey, 95.6% of respondents told us they have seen an increase in pupils requiring mental health support, but only 10.4% think appropriate support is available. Teachers tell us that violence in the classroom is becoming worryingly commonplace – 20.7% were concerned about being physically assaulted, and 60% have been subject to verbal abuse in the last year. Teachers cannot work safely in these conditions.

“The new government has promised to put mental health support into every school, which is a positive step. But further action is also needed to bring forward a national strategy to tackle youth violence and ensure safety and security in schools and colleges.

“We must take increasing rates of youth violence seriously and rebuild specialist support services so that all children and young people have a chance to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background.”