In 2020 Dundee City Council asked all schools to come up with ways of celebrating World Book Day in the most inclusive way possible, with little or zero cost to families.
How St Paul’s High School, Glasgow’s Parent Council found ways to raise money online which were effective and non-stigmatising for those who were not able to contribute.
St John Ogilvie High School in South Lanarkshire consulted with pupils and parents about problem school costs and developed their Cost of the School Day Position and Action Plan.
Often children and families don’t want to let anyone know that they might be struggling for money, so offering support can depend on someone noticing that there’s an issue in the first place.
Offering help to families can feel difficult, and schools and nurseries often have to consider how this can be done in a way that works for the families living in their community.
At Kirkintilloch High School in East Dunbartonshire, staff have found that being upfront about the help they offer pays off. Head Teacher Maureen Daniel describes how the school approaches this.