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Every child should be able to make the most of their time at school, but we know that the cost of school can put pressure on low-income families and put some children at risk of missing out on opportunities and feeling different and stigmatised. CPAG’s Cost of the School Day project in Scotland is working with schools and local authorities to understand the barriers that costs create for children from low-income families, and to support policy and practice change to reduce or remove them. With the project set to be introduced in England and Wales, and expanded in Scotland, what can be learned from the last six years.

Financial support to low income families to pay for childcare through working tax credits is being replaced by the childcare element of universal credit. This Early Warning System report examines the impact of this change on parents and childcare providers.

Consultation with pupils and parents in Dundee schools highlights financial barriers to participation for pupils from low-income households and good practice in overcoming them.

This report presents qualitative data from eight Glasgow Primary and Secondary schools in areas of varying levels of deprivation. In total, 339 children and young people between Primary 5 and S6 and 111 staff members shared their views, experiences and ideas in workshop sessions and focus groups.

Staff at Girvan Academy in South Ayrshire put a lot of thought into providing support for young people from low income families and after consulting with the whole school community they realised that they would also have to consider how they describe and promote these supports, to encourage uptake and make sure there was no stigma attached.

Whether you're an adviser with a case to share, a member of the public with experience of the benefits system, or a young person wanting to tackle poverty in your school, we'd like to hear from you.

Tell us about your personal experience of the social security system

How local authorities support cost reducing measures and equity.

With a wide range of needs to support, staff at Wallace High School in Stirling provide both universal and targeted approaches to supported study.

St Catherine’s Primary School in Edinburgh was taking action to mitigate the effects of school costs on families, but knew that there might be gaps.

The Cost of the School Day project provides a range of resources for schools and local authorities who are trying to remove or reduce financial barriers to education.

What schools across Scotland are doing to reduce costs, boost incomes and support low income families.