Tackling the cost of the school day

Many children and families find it challenging to manage the many costs associated with going to school. This can have a knock-on effect on children’s experiences of school life and their outcomes. The Cost of the School Day project, inspired by Children North East’s Poverty Proofing© work, was started by CPAG in Scotland in 2014 with the aim of reducing the financial barriers that prevent pupils from fully participating in the school day. In 2019 it expanded to more areas in Scotland, and launched in Wales and England, in partnership with Children North East. As the expanded project draws to a close, what changes has it achieved for children? What has been learned about this type of work? And what would CPAG do differently next time?

By Kate Anstey