Commenting as the government publishes its response to the recommendations of the education committee following its inquiry into children's social care, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Schools see first hand the impact upon children when families do not get the support they need with challenges in their lives, including on their attendance and ability to focus and flourish in the classroom.

“We are pleased that the government’s response to this important inquiry reflects several of NAHT’s key calls, particularly around investment in early intervention, the impact of poverty and the importance of multi-agency working.

“However, critical issues including school funding pressures and the increasing and unsustainable role schools find themselves having to play in trying to fill gaps in support amid rising social care thresholds remain unaddressed.

“We urge the government to look again at these issues and hope its child poverty taskforce will come forward with tangible and ambitious proposals for tackling poverty which are supported by ministers.”