Poverty is devastating. It puts children’s education, health and life chances on the line. More than four million children are living in poverty in the UK. That’s nine kids in an average classroom of 30. This isn’t right, and it doesn’t have to be like this.
Children and young people from the Cost of the School Day Voice network call for Universal Free School Meals (USFM) at a Scottish Parliament roundtable.
South Lanarkshire Council’s Cost of the School Day Conference took place this week, where the local authority further cemented its commitment to equity by launching its Cost of the School Day guidance, and ten proposals.
It was great to gather so many Cost of the School Day Voice network members together at one time, with more than 500 young people from across Scotland joining the first Big Meet Up online sessions.
Just launched this week, the Cost of the School Day Ideas Bank showcases what school communities around Scotland are doing to reduce costs and make sure everyone can fully take part in their school day.
It’s a relief that benefits and the benefit cap will rise with inflation. But this is only the fourth time benefits have risen by inflation in the last ten years and as a result of austerity - that today the chancellor praised - there are almost 4 million kids living in poverty in the UK. Today’s package will not stop the ice from cracking under struggling families.
A short Cost of the School Day briefing setting out what we’ve heard about school uniform from learners, families and their schools and what we think is important for stakeholders to bear in mind when responding to the current Scottish Government consultation on statutory national uniform policy guidance.
"The cost of living crisis has pushed many families to the brink as a difficult winter looms. With around 2 million children living in households affected by deductions, the Work and Pensions Select Committee is right to say that now is time to pause these repayments.
Forecasters have increased their estimate for the January 2023 energy price cap to £5,386 for the typical bill. If as expected, this estimate is accurate, families are now facing a gaping £1,200 shortfall for energy costs alone in the months up to April 2023.