The Unison survey of more than 4,500 teaching assistants from primary and secondary schools in the UK finds that more than a fifth (22 per cent) have bought children uniforms, a similar proportion (23 per cent) PE kits, while 20 per cent have helped pupils with lunch money.
Nearly one in five had provided cash so that children could go on school trips.
The survey, which highlights how pressured, low-income families are turning to schools for basic support, also finds that more than one in ten (12 per cent) schools are operating food banks for families.
The survey follows a report published by the National Governance Association earlier in the week, which showed a 3.5 per cent decrease in the number of schools providing financial support with purchasing school uniform, but an increase in those providing food banks, meals outside term-time and washing uniforms.
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