Cost of the School Day Voice network

Since the Cost of the School Day Voice network started in August 2023, young people have been busy making changes in hundreds of schools across Scotland so that everyone can be included, and money is never an issue at school. 

Voice network activities

So far Voice members have...

• taken part in the Big Question, and collaborated on a film to promote the findings to the whole network 
• contributed to the government’s new school uniform guidance for young people
• taken part in a pre-election event, and questioned politicians on what they would do to make tackling poverty at school more consistent
• shared pupil-led Cost of the School Day work with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills during Challenge Poverty Week
• 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. 
• 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
• 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 lots of other really amazing things to make sure their schools are more equal for everyone.

What happens when you join?

When your school joins the Cost of the School Day Voice network your group will have access to lots of great activities and opportunities to help grow your understanding and skills. 

You'll find out more about:

• campaigning
• awareness raising
• ways to tackle costs at school
• opportunities to get your voices heard at a national level

Young people will get the chance to take part in the Voice online meet ups with other groups to share knowledge and hear about new ideas. Group leaders will also be invited to regular practice meetings.

As your group develops there will be the chance to showcase what you are doing to challenge poverty and make your school even more inclusive.

What you told us during Challenge Poverty Week 2024

Last year, over 5000 children and young people shared their views in the Cost of the School Day Big Question. They said it’s important we talk more about poverty to help remove stigma and raise awareness of the help that’s available at school. So this Challenge Poverty Week we asked everyone to get involved and get talking about poverty - to politicians, to each other, to Head Teachers, and to the rest of the school community. Here are just a few of the things that young people said.

We would really like to see what you got up to, and share your ideas with the rest of the network, so please do get in touch: [email protected]

Lots of you have been making exciting changes in your school and taking part in network events. We're looking forward to offering more opportunities in 2024/25, and hearing from even more of you.

Got a question?

We're here to support your work: 

• Contact Kirsty, our Participation Officer at [email protected]
• Email us at [email protected].