Nine out of 10 primary school teachers buy teaching materials themselves, according to research by the AOb union, quoted in Thursday’s AD.

However, one third are unable to claim back the cost from their school budgets and a further third are only compensated for part of the cost, the union said.

In particular, teachers buy products which make the lessons more fun, such as materials for crafts or special books and storage boxes, the union said. The results are based on a poll of 600 teachers, classroom assistants and concierges.

A union spokesman told the paper schools should always have a budget for items such as books and pens. ‘But there should also be money to buy those extra things that teachers consider necessary,’ the spokeswoman said.