SCHOOL leaders must do more to break the link between child poverty and poor performance, according to a new report out today.

Schools’ inspectorate Estyn found that the link between disadvantage and educational underachievement was as strong as ever and local authorities did not always share information about disadvantaged learners with other agencies.

The report, commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government, also found there are not enough training opportunities for school leaders to learn about poverty.

Chief inspector Ann Keane said: “I urge all head teachers and senior leaders to consider how well their school understands the needs of disadvantaged learners and to evaluate how well they work with outside agencies so that the impact of poverty on achievement is tackled.”

Providers that engage families in school life have noticed improvements in pupils’ confidence, attitudes to learning and attendance rates.

The report is called Working Together to tackle the Impact of Poverty on Educational Achievement.