Cuts to school support staff are leaving vulnerable children at risk, a union is warning.

Unison said a survey of 3,000 staff suggested many were facing increased workloads, and were often putting in extra unpaid hours.

The union said its study revealed that school support staff regularly go home worried about the welfare of children as well as their safety and emotional state after discussing issues including grooming, gangs and domestic violence.

Unison’s head of education Jon Richards said: “Support staff clearly have a huge and positive influence on children’s and young people’s lives.

“Schools simply couldn’t run smoothly, and the achievements of pupils would be significantly reduced, without the efforts of these dedicated staff.

“Having the right type of emotional support in place at the right time ensures problems don’t escalate into crises.

“But cuts pose a huge risk to schools and pupils. The Government must properly fund schools so there’s always the time and space for children to feel listened to and helped.”