Communicate about costs and money
Families in your school may be struggling financially. Good communication is key to making sure they don't miss out on entitlements and support.
Universal communication
Share financial information with all families, not just those who you think might need it. Avoid assumptions about who is affected by poverty when targeting support, as this can mean some families fall through the net. Communicating universally means that information reaches the right people - even if you don’t always know who that is.
"I know that my head teacher thinks she knows which families need support and targets them but this is a terrible strategy as many families will be struggling but not appear so. All information about support should be given to all families."
Parent
Information on more than one platform
Keep families informed about financial support such as Free School Meals, School Clothing Grants, Education Maintenance Allowance and other entitlements like Best Start Grants and Scottish Child Payment.
Maintain a dedicated space on the school website and app for up-to-date financial information to keep it visible and accessible. Share the information on social media, in newsletters, by text, at school events and through the Parent Council.
Clearly state what help is available with school costs and how to access it. Uncertainty about what support is available keeps some parents struggling in silence.
Regular and timely
Avoid sharing information just once a year in the hope that people will see it. Share information at inductions, during transitions, at the start of each term and school year, at expensive times of year and well in advance of application deadlines to ensure families have time to apply.
“Entitlements were spoken about generally during the induction meeting when my child started Primary. They are reiterated via email and text. I am comforted to know they are there.”
Parent
Clear and friendly
Be simple and matter of fact in communications: you are sharing this information because anyone in the school community can experience financial difficulties, and you want everyone to know about the support that’s available
- Keep messages concise to grab attention
- Avoid stigmatising words or phrases like ‘hardship’, ‘struggling’, ‘poor’, 'disadvantaged', ‘PEF children’ or ‘families in need’
- Avoid financial jargon that might put people off – don't copy and paste complicated eligibility criteria from local authority websites
- Avoid education jargon or mention of terms like SIMD and PEF that might confuse people
- Use a friendly and inviting tone. Show that you want families to seek support.
“Something as simple as the wording of an email that acknowledges how many families will be struggling, written in a way that is respectful, has been reassuring and supportive: I feel less alone and less embarrassed about financial worries.”
Parent
Note:
Reflective questions
- Are we communicating and celebrating our efforts to reduce costs and support families?
- Would every family in our school know how to access financial entitlements if required? How well are we sharing information?
- How clearly does our communication with parents explain what help is available with costs?
- Do we have an up-to-date financial support section on our website?
Cost of the School Day Ideas Bank
The Ideas Bank is full of real life examples from schools on communicating with families.