Offering cost reducing support for families can only make a difference if they know that it exists and feel comfortable accessing it. These case studies offer insights into how different schools share information with pupils, parents and carers about support, in a non stigmatising way.
Families who are struggling financially might assume that they can't afford trips for children, so when schools have put support to cover costs in place, how can they encourage the use of this help? Bannockburn Primary School in Stirling and Auchenharvie Academy in North Ayrshire have both looked at how the tackle self exclusion.
Many schools are consider how to help with the cost of learning, particularly now that digital devices are so important. St Paul's RC Academy in Dundee now offers resources for home learning as well as covering any costs related to the curriculum and The Rainbow Centre in Inverclyde is tackling digital inequality for families.
Neilsland Primary School in South Lanarkshire has managed to narrow the attendance gap between learners from lower income and higher income families, by tackling the poverty related barriers to attendance, with communication at all levels key to this success.
When CPAG in Scotland and the University of Aberdeen organised a roundtable event at the Scottish Parliament to discuss school uniform affordability and the school clothing grant with MSPs, we knew it was vital to hear directly from young people.
In these case studies we explore how can make a understanding poverty in your catchment area can make a big difference for school staff. We find out how three schools raise awareness amongst their staff.
Welfare advice can make a big difference to families who are struggling financially, and schools are increasingly offering ‘referral pathways’ to help boost incomes. This case study features two educational settings who are supporting families in this way.
Schools who offer a range of support for families living on lower incomes have also put thought into how this help can be promoted to boost uptake. Balwearie High School in Fife and Braes High School in Falkirk have both found multiple ways to get the message out to parents and carers.
These case studies describe how uniform policy which is mindful of costs and developed in collaboration with the whole school can really take the pressure off families.
Uniform banks can be a really good way of ensuring everyone has what they need, and how a school chooses to set them up can vary according to their context and the needs of families in their area. These case studies show how schools have taken different approaches to suit their setting.
Resources developed with a focus on England, Scotland or Wales to fit the needs of each nation's schools and curriculum, but most of them can easily be adapted for other areas.
