On the 5th of February politicians in the Scottish Parliament debated how child poverty can be tackled in schools. The Cost of the School Day project at Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland sent a briefing for the debate to all politicians beforehand, which included lots of your thoughts and ideas. Many of the things that you think need to happen to make things better were talked about, like free school meals for all, support for trips, and help with uniforms.
One MSP said that it’s important that your voices are at the heart of this debate, so thank you all for sharing your ideas with us!
On the 19th of March the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, is going to be visiting Boghall Primary School to meet Cost of the School Day pupil groups from several schools. Ms Gilruth will be answering questions on the findings of The Big Question. Why don’t you take a look at this video – if you have any questions for the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills about the subjects talked about there, please email them to us at [email protected]
We’ve got some great things happening for Voice network groups in 2025:
Sign up and be part of designing our first ever youth conference! This face to face event will bring together young people from all over Scotland to look to the future and design a manifesto for change ahead of the 2026 elections. We want Voice network members to be right at the heart of planning this event, so if members of your group would like to get involved, we would be delighted to hear from you. We’ll be sharing details soon about how your school can apply to attend this October.
Would your pupils like to design and run a workshop with us that focuses on poverty and the right to education? We’re looking for Voice members to help us tell attendees about problem costs at school, what helps and how getting young people involved in anti-poverty work in their school communities can support everybody’s right to education.
If your group has a fun game or icebreaker they’d like to share at the meeting, let Kirsty know!
We will send out teams links to all groups for both meetings very soon.
The Big Question summary film - made by Voice network members
Taken part in the Big Question, and collaborated on a film to promote the findings to the whole network.
Comments from Voice network members who took part in guidance consultation
Contributed to the Scottish government’s new school uniform guidance for young people - School uniform and clothing: a resource for pupils
Liam from Trinity High School at the pre-election event
Taken part in a pre-election event, and questioned politicians on what they would do to make tackling poverty at school more consistent.
Voice network members at the Universal Free School Meals roundtable with the Cabinet Secretary for Education
Attended and spoken at two round table discussions at the Scottish Parliament, one about the cost of school uniforms, and the other about free school meals.
First meeting of the Voice network primary schools
Taken part in big meet ups during the year, where everyone had the chance to learn more from each other and take part in online activities and games
Voice network members have also: shared pupil-led Cost of the School Day work with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills during Challenge Poverty Week;, launched awareness campaigns; created cost calendars; taken on consultations with parents and carers; run social media campaigns; set up uniform banks and take-what-you-need trollies... and so many other really amazing things to make sure their schools are more equal for everyone.
We would really like to hear from you - email Kirsty at [email protected]
