How some schools are overcoming challenges to encouraging school meal uptake and ensuring that children and young people use their free meal allowance.
When families are struggling financially, Rainbow Family Centre in Inverclyde offers referrals to outside welfare rights or income maximisation agencies and support parent and carers with the call.
Braes High School in Falkirk created a web page on the school website about support they offer parents and carers having problems with costs or money, and how they can reduce anxiety about asking for help.
In 2022 Buckie Community High School in Moray worked with the Cost of the School Day team, and consulted pupils and families about school uniform, and how policy might change to make it more affordable for all.
One secondary school in North Lanarkshire recognised that increasing numbers of young people were in need of school uniform and clothing. The school decided to set up a cluster wide uniform bank.
Auchenharvie Academy's uniform station provides free access to clothes, toiletries, and other items at any time it is required by pupils and their families, with no obligation to swap or donate.
Giffnock Primary School in East Renfrewshire's Parent Equalities Group has been running a monthly pop-up uniform stall where parents and carers can donate pre-loved uniform and pick up items that they need.
Mill of Mains Primary School in Dundee offers free pieces of uniform for families when needed. There is school uniform available on rails for families to take what they need and leave what they can.
Logans Primary School in North Lanarkshire has been using Pupil Equity Funding and school funds to make sure that all children have the right clothing to take part in P.E.