Each year, Children in Wales, in partnership with the End Child Poverty Network Cymru (ECPN), conduct the Child & Family Poverty Surveys. In 2024, we launched a third survey, aimed specifically at parents.

The three surveys aim to better understand the current issues facing babies, children, young people, and families in Wales. The results have allowed us to assess the broader impact of these challenges and, more importantly, to hear directly from children, young people, and parents themselves. 

 Read the reports here

The practitioners and professionals who responded to the surveys work with a minimum of 62,000 families and their children. 

The findings are clear: poverty significantly increases stress and anxiety for both children and young people, as well as their parents and carers. Living with poverty-related issues such as debt and hunger has a detrimental impact on emotional and mental health. Over 60% of practitioners reported that the mental health of both children and parents has worsened over the past year.  

One practitioner stated, “People are losing hope and being pushed further and further into poverty.”  

When reviewing the responses from children and young people, the report highlights how poverty directly impacts education, limiting their ability and capacity to learn. Issues such as hunger, stigmatisation, bullying, and the costs of school uniforms and transport were all identified as barriers, creating inequity.  

In fact, 89% of children and young people are still required to wear branded uniforms, with 73% of these items only available from specialist retailers, driving up costs.  

As the late Karen McFarlane, Senior Policy Officer for Poverty and author of the report previously said:

“The impacts of poverty can be far reaching and touch every aspect of children’s lives. Right now, as you are reading this, many families in Wales are having to make the decision to either feed their children or use electricity. It is therefore not surprising that the findings show increasing debt, food and fuel poverty and a dramatic increase in poor emotional health, not only of parents, but children and young people themselves.  

School uniform costs are very difficult for families to manage and 73% of children and young people said that at least part of their uniform must be purchased from a specialist retailer. This pushes the costs of uniforms up. Whilst some schools are doing well to address this, more schools need to follow suit. Just using some of the levers we already have will make a big difference to families, such as schools fully implementing Welsh Government’s statutory guidance on school uniform. This would mean that for many, school uniforms would be cheaper.”

Sean O’Neill, Policy Director at Children in Wales said: 

“Poverty denies children and young people many of their rights, making it essential that we take time to listen to their experiences and act on their suggestions for what changes can be made to make their lives a whole lot better.   Tackling the cost-of-living pressures and making sure that more families don't fall further below the breadline has to be the number one priority for all levels of Government.   Too many families are under huge levels of pressure and stress, affecting the wellbeing of their children too.”   

Anna Westall, Senior Policy Officer at Children in Wales said:    

“It's powerful to hear directly from parents and carers about the challenges they face due to poverty. Their lived experiences and personal insights are vital in understanding the real impact of poverty on families. This direct feedback can guide meaningful actions and policies to better support families.” 

When asked about poverty and ways to help, children and young people have highlighted the need for lower school uniform costs, free transport, better support to address bullying, and free school meals for all. Parents are stating the need for easier access to support services and free family activities. Often, what parents value most is empathy and understanding. Whatever your role or background, there’s always something meaningful we can contribute. Even small actions can have a significant impact on creating a better future for children, young people, and families.   

These findings underline the urgent need for action across all sectors to address the cost-of-living crisis and its devastating impact on children and families. Children in Wales calls on policymakers, schools, and communities to work together to implement practical solutions that will make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected. 

About the Author: Karen McFarlane was a Senior Policy Officer at Children in Wales.  Sadly, Karen passed away shortly after completing the report last year.  The publication of this report was delayed as a result.  We are publishing this report today in recognition of Karen’s contribution to our annual reports since 2021. Children in Wales | With deep sadness, we share the loss of Karen McFarlane  

Supporting Change: School Uniform    Price of Pupil Poverty Resources