Promoting support
Schools who offer a range of support for families living on lower incomes have also put thought into how this help can be promoted to boost uptake.
Braes High School in Falkirk
Braes staff put a lot of thought into how parents and carers can engage with them when there’s an issue with costs or money and how they can reduce any anxiety around asking for help.
One solution has been to create a dedicated Cost of the School Day web page in a prominent position on the school website.
Included on the page are details of cost reducing activities like help to pay for trips or items required for specific subjects, the school’s uniform exchange and clothing pop up shops. It also explains how to access the school benefits advisor and provides links to application forms for entitlements.
All information is presented in an easy to access and straightforward way alongside an invitation to email a named contact in the school if a parent or carer would like more information or support. It’s hoped that by offering parents the option to email rather than phone, they’ll feel more able to get in touch.
Emma Taylor, Drama teacher and Principal teacher PEF:
“What is also quite effective is the Group Call system. I've noticed when we send an email out and then text parents to check their email, we get a much larger response. We're just always hammering away that there is the support. When it is such a massive social issue it’s like turning the titanic but we are noticing a shift in attitudes and poverty stigma.”
Balwearie High School in Fife
Balwearie High has a multi-route approach to getting messages about help and entitlements out to families.
At Balwearie High School, whenever guidance teachers are in touch with families, they’ll always check whether there’s anything else they can help with and direct parents and carers to a pop up on the school website offering information about financial support.
A parent noticeboard in the school reception area offers details of how to claim entitlements like free school meals, clothing grants and other benefits along with details of local charities and support agencies in three languages. The school also group calls, texts and emails parents about entitlements, food parcels, supermarket vouchers and the uniform bank.
Other ideas you might like
Read about Hillhead Secondary School's Cost of the School Day information booklet.