CPAG is the UK's leading charity working to prevent child poverty. Backed by your support and donations, we have made a positive difference to hundreds of thousands of children and families living in poverty since we were set up in 1965.
Talking about costs and money with parents and carers can feel difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. This resource is full of insights from parents and carers about how schools can communicate with them about costs, make them aware of the entitlements for school age children, and how to make sure families feel comfortable enough to open up when there are financial problems at home.
As a way of helping to boost family incomes and reduce the impact of child poverty, school communities are increasingly offering referral pathways to welfare and money advice for families. This briefing offers examples of existing pathways and makes recommendations about how we can make sure more families are able to access help in this way.
Parents say they feel frustrated and unseen when their schools aren’t mindful of financial pressures. A proactive approach tells parents that their school understands financial challenges and that conversations about costs and money are possible and welcomed.
It doesn’t matter how affluent a school community appears, families can be struggling financially and could benefit from entitlements and help at school. To make sure families don't miss out, good communication is key.
Understanding the challenges facing families on low incomes supports greater empathy and engagement. Promoting awareness and understanding of the challenges facing families on low incomes to everyone in your school community will help boost that knowledge.
These activities can help your group to start conversations, and consider what impact poverty and costs can have on school life. This is a great place to get started raising awareness and understanding.
