Young people meet the First Minister and call on him to ensure no-one is left out at school because of family income

80 young people from all over Scotland are meeting in Glasgow on the 30 September at the Cost of the School Day Young People’s Summit to produce a manifesto detailing how they think the Scottish Government should tackle poverty in schools in the coming years.

All young people attending are part of the Cost of the School Day Voice Network and are involved with work which aims to reduce the impact of poverty in their schools. They will be questioning the First Minister on what more government can do to tackle poverty and remove financial barriers to education. Young people attending are set to ask questions about child poverty, Free School Meal expansion, progress towards devices for all pupils, wider access to school trips, school funding and what can be done to help families access clothing and equipment, amongst other issues.

Some of the young people who helped plan the Summit described why they think this event is vital:

“Young people are the seeds for a better Scotland. If we don’t get what we need to grow, then we can’t reach our potential. That’s the reality for many children in Scotland. Inequality amongst young people at school is exacerbated by poverty and prevents young people from accessing their education.”

Emma Taylor from Braes High School in Falkirk is one of the teachers supporting her pupils to get involved:

“Our young people are really looking forward to getting together to share new ideas. CPAG is instrumental in making sure that young people living in poverty are treated with dignity and that supports put in place are non-stigmatising, ensuring those who need help can get it. This event really shows what our young people are all about: building a community that makes sure no one gets left behind.”

Paula Gaughan from Carluke High School in South Lanarkshire said:

“We believe it’s essential to create spaces where poverty is seen not as something to hide or feel ashamed of, but as a challenge that we can work together to overcome. Being part of this summit is an incredible opportunity to engage with decision-makers like the First Minister, and we're hopeful that this event will inspire real change for our students and communities. We're looking forward to seeing what concrete steps will come from this, and we are proud to be part of this conversation."

Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager at CPAG in Scotland reflects on why this event matters:

“Tackling poverty and financial barriers to education is key to making sure that all children can attend, engage and learn at school. While progress has been made, too many barriers remain. Truly listening to children and young people’s voices is crucial if we want to make further progress towards equity in education. The Summit is bringing together just some of the many brilliant young people throughout Scotland who are passionate about these issues and we look forward to hearing their calls to government on the day aimed at tackling the unacceptable impact of poverty on our education system.”

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Eradicating child poverty is our national mission. Poverty stops far too many children and young people from achieving their full potential because it makes it harder for them to get the most out of their time in education. We have given significant funding to schools and local authorities so they can support children and families affected by poverty, but we must do more. This summit is an opportunity for me to hear from pupils about how we can build on the good work already taking place to reduce the costs of the school day. I will be ready to answer their questions as we discuss the best ways to give all Scotland’s children the best possible education and future.”

CPAG contact 07984 054 352 or [email protected]