COSD teacher and parent talking on the phone

Named contact

Appoint named contact(s) for parents to get in touch with if they have cost concerns or questions about financial support.

Inform families who this is, how they will help and how to contact them discreetly without having to go through the school office.

Ensure that these people are friendly, approachable and understand how parents and carers might feel about having these conversations. 

Remember how difficult these conversations can be for parents and carers. Make clear to parents that they will be met with an understanding response – they can’t know this unless you tell them.

“It's the way they talk to you, you don't feel embarrassed or small.”

Parent

Confidential spaces

Assure parents of discretion and confidentiality when discussing costs and money. Offer to have conversations on a one-to-one basis and in private. Provide various ways to do this, in person, by phone or online.

“They are discreet, make you feel at ease and do not pressure you but at same time they let you know what’s available. Always someone to chat to about worries.”

Parent

Follow up

Think about how subsequent support is provided. 

Children and young people can feel embarrassed when support is obviously targeted towards them because they can’t pay. Provide support in a sensitive way that doesn’t create stigma. 

“There is no shame in needing help so it must be offered in a non-condescending way that allows the child not to feel singled out or embarrassed in any way.”

Parent

Reflective questions

  • Do we have a named person to contact, and a simple and clear method of doing so?
  • How confident would parents in our school feel about receiving an understanding and helpful response from us? How do we know?
  • Is the support we provide for children and families non-stigmatising and unlikely to single them out?

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