On 19 March, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth visited Boghall Primary School to meet Cost of the School Day pupil groups from several schools. Ms Gilruth answered questions on the findings of The Big Question. Find out what she said in this video.
On 5 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. 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!
We’ve got some great things happening for Voice network groups in 2025.
Children and young people from the Cost of the School Day Voice network are inviting applications to an exciting in-person event this September for P5-S6 pupils across Scotland.
At this event, young people will share experiences of Cost of the School Day work in their schools, learn from one another, attend skills workshops, have fun with new friends, quiz top politicians on what more can be done and be part of creating a children’s manifesto in advance of the 2026 Scottish elections.
Our young people’s planning committee has created this application form to make sure young people with lots of different experiences can come along and get involved.
Schools attending will be offered places for 2 young people and one supporting member of staff. Travel costs will be paid for, along with overnight accommodation where necessary.
The planning committee is looking forward to hearing from you!
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 kcampbell@cpagscotland.org.uk
