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Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. What we do
  3. CPAG project work
  4. Cost of the School Day
  5. Cost of the School Day resources
  6. All Cost of the School Day resources

Show leadership and take action

Parents say they feel frustrated and unseen when their schools aren’t mindful of financial pressures. A proactive approach, reaching out to the whole school community, tells parents that their school understands money worries and that conversations about costs are possible and welcome.
COSD father waving at teacher at school gates

Be mindful of costs

Use an ‘affordability lens’ for everything planned and delivered in school, checking where costs can be reconsidered or reduced and where additional support can be offered. Parents say that the more that’s done to take the pressure off, the more confident they feel to get in touch with concerns. 

"They need to understand that just asking for a pound here, a fiver here, two quid for a charity, a Christmas jumper day... these things have put me in financial hardship as they usually do lots of things in a row. A bit of sensitivity and forward planning will help."

Parent

Are optional costs really optional?

Remember that optional costs for things like photos, fun days, trips and clubs don’t feel optional to parents if they fear their children will miss out or feel left out. There can also be cultural pressure to spend on things like Christmas or end of year presents for teachers. Many schools let their families know that a homemade card or a picture would be welcomed instead.

“We are constantly being asked for money... and many parents then feel compelled to give to ensure their child is not singled out.”

Parent

Plenty of notice

Provide lengthy notice periods where there are requests for money. 

“For bigger events giving enough lead time to save up for it or offer payment plans that are affordable. These would help to make sure your child doesn’t have to miss out."

Parent

Keep parents in the loop

Try to make sure that parents hear about trips and activities before their excited children do. A cost calendar setting out expenses across the year can help to avoid surprises.

"Last year my children came home telling me about a trip they were excited to go on where I had to find £180 in early December. I feel that parents should be contacted before children are told so they can try to budget through the year, and are invited to contact the school if help is going to be needed."

Parent

Avoid approaches that could draw attention to who can and cannot pay.

The more you do, the more confident people feel

Parents say they notice when their schools take action on costs. School uniform initiatives, free breakfast clubs, help to apply for entitlements, free clubs and support with trips - the more schools do to reduce cost barriers, the more confident families feel. It's important to let everyone know about what you are doing, and there's more about how best to do this on the next page.

"The head teacher is really approachable and makes it seem normal and ok. She never says to my daughter that she gets things because she can’t afford it. She always says we have spares, I thought you might like it. Or offers stuff to everyone."

Parent
Note:

Reflective questions

  • How well do we demonstrate our commitment to equity through what we say and in our written communications?
  • How well are we reducing costs and financial pressures for all families? Are we consistently thinking about affordability and inclusion? Can we do more?
  • Are we consistently providing lots of notice about costs?
  • How well do we understand costs and financial barriers from the perspectives of our children and families? How effective is our engagement with them to find out? 

Learn about entitlements for families

This factsheet outlines what financial help is available for families with children and young people at school.

Read Financial Help in the School Years
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Communicate about costs and money

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    • Talking about costs and money at school - advice from parents and carers
    • Create poverty aware school communities
    • Show leadership and take action
    • Communicate about costs and money
    • Offer confidential and supportive conversations

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