1.2 Explain the importance and impact of poverty on outcomes and life chances for children and young people

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Explain the importance and impact of poverty on outcomes and life chances for children and young people.

Poverty means a lack of the basic resources needed for a decent standard of living. This covers income, housing, nutrition, clothing, heating, and access to services. For children and young people, poverty impacts their development, wellbeing, and future opportunities.

Many children in the UK live in low-income households. This can be because their parents are unemployed, in low-paid work, or relying on benefits. Families may experience persistent poverty, where these conditions last for years, or temporary poverty, where income drops for a short period. Both forms can have negative effects, but long-term poverty is linked with greater harm to children’s life outcomes.

Poverty is more than a lack of money. It can limit access to education, restrict social contacts, and increase stress at home. Over time, this shapes a child’s health, learning, and behaviour, and influences what they can achieve as adults.

Impact on Education

Children in poverty may struggle at school for many reasons. Their home life might lack the resources to support learning. They may not have internet, books, or a quiet place to study. Parents may have less time or energy to help with homework, especially if they work long hours or deal with stress.

Poor nutrition can affect concentration and memory. Hunger can make it hard for a child to focus in lessons. Fatigue from inadequate sleep due to overcrowded or noisy housing can impact attendance and engagement.

Missed school days are common where poverty causes ill health or reduces access to transport. Falling behind academically affects confidence and can limit exam results, which reduces future options for further education or employment.

School experiences affected by poverty include:

• Bullying linked to wearing older or cheaper clothes
• Lack of participation in trips or extracurricular activities
• Social isolation from peers

Impact on Health

Poverty can harm both physical and mental health. Poor housing conditions may expose children to damp, mould, or cold, which contribute to respiratory problems and other illnesses. Limited access to healthy food can lead to malnutrition or obesity, both of which affect development.

Access to healthcare may also be affected. While NHS services are free, costs such as transport to appointments and prescription charges for some family members can create barriers. If parents delay seeking medical care for themselves or their children, health issues may worsen.

Stress at home linked to money worries affects emotional wellbeing. Constant exposure to adult anxiety, marital conflict, or domestic instability can make children more prone to anxiety or depression. This emotional impact can continue into adulthood.

Indicators of poverty affecting health include:

• Increased rates of illness or hospitalisation
• Dental problems from poor diet or infrequent care
• Higher risk of accidents in unsafe home environments

Impact on Social and Emotional Development

Children growing up in poverty can feel excluded from social opportunities. They may avoid inviting friends home due to embarrassment about their housing or possessions. This limits friendships and reduces social confidence.

Young people may take on adult responsibilities early, such as caring for younger siblings, because parents are working long shifts or managing complex household pressures. This can reduce time for play, hobbies, or personal development.

Feelings of shame or being different can affect self-esteem. Over time, these emotions may influence mental health and the ability to build trusting relationships.

Ways poverty can affect social and emotional growth include:

• Limited participation in peer activities
• Emotional strain from adult worries
• Greater exposure to crime or unsafe situations in deprived areas

Impact on Behaviour

Poverty is linked to a higher likelihood of behavioural difficulties. This does not mean all children in poverty misbehave, but stress and limited opportunities increase the risk.

Frustration from unmet needs, peer comparison, or family strain can result in anger or withdrawal. Some children may act out at school for attention or to cope with emotions. Others may avoid school altogether.

The lack of safe spaces for play and recreation in deprived areas can lead to spending more time unsupervised. This increases exposure to negative peer influences, anti-social behaviour, or crime.

Behavioural concerns to watch in children affected by poverty include:

• Low attendance or punctuality at school
• Disruptive behaviour or conflict with peers
• Withdrawal, anxiety, or refusal to take part in activities

Cycles of Disadvantage

Poverty often becomes a cycle. Children born into low-income households face reduced chances of gaining high qualifications and well-paid jobs. This increases the likelihood that their own children will also grow up in poverty.

Barriers in education, health, and social networks make it harder to break this pattern. Without targeted support, children may carry the disadvantages of their early environment into adult life. This means they may live in poorer housing, have less financial security, and face limited career options.

Breaking the cycle requires both family support and changes at a community and policy level.

The Importance of Addressing Poverty

Addressing poverty is important because it affects almost every aspect of a child’s life. If children have basic needs met, they are more likely to attend school regularly, remain healthy, and form positive relationships.

Providing support can change life paths. For example, financial assistance for school meals or uniforms can reduce stigma. Access to early years education improves language and learning skills before formal schooling begins.

Support for parents plays a role too. Help with employment, training, or childcare can raise family income. Housing improvements and health programmes can help create a more stable environment for children.

Early intervention improves outcomes across health, education, and wellbeing. For professionals in the children and young people’s workforce, this means recognising the signs of poverty and knowing how to refer families to suitable services.

Practical Ways Professionals Can Support Children in Poverty

Professionals working with children can take steps to reduce the impact of poverty. Actions may include:

• Identifying access issues, such as lack of equipment or transport, and finding solutions
• Encouraging inclusion in all school or group activities regardless of ability to pay
• Linking families with local food banks, clothing schemes, or benefit advice
• Working in partnership with health visitors, teachers, and social workers
• Listening to children and understanding their feelings about their situation
• Advocating for fair policies in schools and community groups

Creating a safe, respectful environment helps children feel valued despite financial hardship. Small positive experiences can have a lasting impact on self-worth.

Long-Term Outcomes Without Support

Without targeted support, the long-term outcomes for children in poverty are often poor. These may include:

• Lower educational qualifications
• Increased likelihood of unemployment or insecure work
• Greater risk of health problems in adulthood
• Ongoing social exclusion
• Higher interactions with the criminal justice system

These outcomes reduce life chances and reinforce the poverty cycle. They also affect wider society, leading to increased public spending on health, welfare, and support services.

Positive Outcomes With Support

When children in poverty receive support, their life chances improve. This could be through access to good education, involvement in after-school activities, or having stable housing. Supportive relationships with adults in school or community settings can encourage ambition and resilience.

Examples of positive changes include:

• Improved attendance and school achievement
• Better health and nutrition
• Higher confidence and self-esteem
• More social connections and hobbies
• Greater likelihood of moving into stable work in adulthood

Final Thoughts

Poverty is a serious barrier to positive outcomes for children and young people. It touches every area of life, from health and education to friendships and confidence. The effects can last long into adulthood and may continue to affect the next generation.

For those working with children, awareness and action are key. Understanding how poverty shapes daily life and the future helps workers respond in a way that meets real needs. With the right support, a child’s background does not have to decide their future. Interventions, even small ones, can make the difference between limited prospects and a life full of opportunity.