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A teacher has shared her sadness over shivering schoolchildren who do not own winter coats.

As temperatures plummet, the teacher has told of how her pupils have been showing up to school with holes in their shoes and without coats on.

The primary school teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous, told GrimsbyLive that one child showed up in a blazer bought for a family occasion because he had “nothing else to keep him warm”.

And she revealed she has given secret snacks to other pupils because they are so hungry and aren't being fed properly at home.

(Image: Getty)

The teacher, who works at a large primary in northern Lincolnshire, said: “I have schoolchildren who arrive shivering cold with soaking wet feet because they do not have coats and they have holes in their shoes.”

The teacher admitted to crying in her classroom on occasion after hearing about her schoolchildren’s home lives.

“The truth is some parents cannot afford to buy their children new school shoes or even buy them a good, long-lasting winter coat,” she added.

“It is so upsetting that in this day and age people have to go through this hardship. We do all we can as a school but it is only solving the problem at a superficial level.

“One child in my classroom has been arriving to school in a jacket which was bought for a family occasion, while another has been showing up in old, worn out school shoes.”

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The primary school, like many others in Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Louth and Scunthorpe, provides pupils with plimsolls when they arrive to school with wet socks or feet.

She said: “You have parents who cannot afford to buy their children clothes and you have parents who do not want to buy their children new clothes."

The teacher also admitted to bringing in small snacks – like apples, bananas and cereal bars – in an attempt to help her hungry pupils.

She said: “It was heartbreaking to hear that one of my children went without tea and breakfast because their mum and dad hadn't done a food shop.

“It is not all children who are going without, of course. But, in my opinion and I’m sure most would agree, just one child going hungry is one too many,” she added.

If you wish to help, you can donate coats or shoes to schools or charity shops near you.

Child neglect - what to look out for The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) says neglect happens when 'a child’s basic needs aren't met'. It says: 'Neglect can cause deep-rooted and lifelong physical and psychological harm for a child.' Common signs and symptoms adults may notice in a child being neglected include: poor appearance and hygiene

being left alone for a long time

having untreated injuries, medical and dental issues, skin sores, rashes or flea bites

they may have poor communication or social skills

they regularly seem hungry or turn up to school without any lunch money If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, the NSPCC urges people to contact their professional counsellors for help, advice and support. Email help@nspcc.org.uk or call 0808 800 5000. If you are under Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help. Call 0800 1111

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