[gopsue]

Let’s be like Europe! They are so great! Hooray!
</sarcasm>

[Pete]

She added: “I know of a pupil who actually saw, from the classroom window during a lesson, his house door being kicked in and his dad being led out of the door in handcuffs – this was during Sats week. He did not achieve the level he should have. Are we surprised?”

There are plenty of "poor" people who teach their children personal hygiene and manners. I don't think the issue is economic as much as cultural.

[Iron Munro]

Import hordes of people with an 8th century mentality from fly blown tribal areas then bemoan the fact they are unable to cope with modern culture and society.

It is going on in America too.

[dog breath]

That is what happens when people start expecting government to solve everything. They stop learning how to be responsible for themselves. In America, things considered out of date in Britain such as family, religion and a work ethic are still honored in many places. Sure I know that in places it is just as bad here, but there are those who care enough to fight the abyss. There is also the chance that things might get better even if it flickers at times like a dying candle. Private organizations and churches do more here. The huge role just of churches in poor neighborhoods is something not seen in Europe. If you are down and out, they are more likely to help you then the government. The thing that frightens me is that if the socialists have their way we will be just like Britain.

[BenLurkin]

“basic personal skills” and poverty are two entirely different things.

Kids today are not begging for “more” gruel, and children of Dickens’s day understood good manners.

[Seruzawa]

The fools allowed socialism because they were consumed with greed and wanted “free” health care, lots of holidays, long vacations, etc. Now the inevitable results of socialism, economic ruin, are coming home to roost.

[RedMonqey]

Anyone seen Clockwork Orange?

Well if this doesn’t set the stage, then nothing will...

[keepitreal]

Some pupils from the poorest areas arrive at school unable to dress themselves or use a knife and fork, with some even unable to use a toilet properly, she said.

Guess their parents have been trained by the government to think this was the government's job.

My mom grew up really poor - her mother made it her business to make sure that her children always looked good in their one outfit by washing and starching it every night, so that no one would look down on them in school.

[iowamark]

Children who don’t know exactly who the father figure is in the home from month to month.”

Father figure!? Paternalism! How trite! How stereotypical! Send this teacher to re-education camp!

[The KG9 Kid]

Some pupils from the poorest areas arrive at school unable to dress themselves or use a knife and fork, with some even unable to use a toilet properly, she said.

I thought that they were trying to ban knives in England anyway.

Anyway, this is one of those hyper-sensationalist British news articles. Pics or it didn't happen.

[Winniesboy]

Children who bring themselves to school at very young ages.

While the other symptoms described are indeed lamentable, I'm not sure about that one. I was expected to find my own way to school (about half a mile) from the age of five, as were most of my peers. The convention that children must be escorted is a fairly recent (and regrettable) development.