TEACHERS are paying out of their own pocket to support disadvantaged pupils on a regular basis, a survey reveals.

They reported paying for extra food, period products, toiletries and laundry.

Nearly four in five teachers called for free school meals for all children who attend primary schools in England and Wales.

Nine in 10 wanted to see a strengthening of rules to ensure school uniforms are affordable, and 78 per cent would like to see a dedicated technology budget to combat the digital divide.

Three in four schools and colleges are also helping with school uniform, 52 per cent free breakfasts and 63 per cent with period products, the poll of more than 8,000 National Education Union (NEU) members found.

More than four in five reported seeing signs of tiredness or fatigue, 79 per cent an inability to concentrate due to child poverty.

The findings of the survey were released at the union’s annual conference in Bournemouth.

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said the government’s record on child poverty is an “absolute disgrace.”