A Renfrewshire Council kitty has been “instrumental” in tackling financial barriers to children and young people’s participation in school activities, analysis has found.
The local authority has evaluated the cost of the school day fund – a pot that helps low-income families pay for things like PE kits and stationery and take part in extracurricular activities.
It found that the initiative has assisted in minimising the risk of pupils being “unintentionally discriminated against” because of money-related circumstances.
That’s according to a report that will be presented at the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee – a task force that focuses on support for those affected by poverty and the current economic environment – at its meeting on Wednesday.
The paper authored by Annabelle Walter, connected communities manager, explained: “As part of the evaluation programme for Fairer Renfrewshire, an evaluation was carried out of the cost of the school day fund.
“Cost of the school day aims to support schools to identify and address financial barriers faced by families, particularly those with low incomes, related to the costs associated with participating in school life.
“The evaluation found that the cost-of-living crisis has increased the need for support for many of these families and this increase in need has changed how schools use their cost of the school day funding.
“The funding has raised awareness within schools of the impact of financial pressures on families, with schools being able to respond flexibly to the unique needs of their pupils and their families.
“Although the funding is limited, schools agree that it has been instrumental in reducing the barriers to participation in school activities with associated costs and has helped to minimise the risk of any child/young person being unintentionally discriminated against due to financial circumstances.
“Schools have been better able to support learners from low-income families, with 60 per cent of schools reporting that educational attainment has been positively impacted.”
Last month, SNP depute council leader Jacqueline Cameron, chair of the sub-committee, stressed the importance of striving to help families keep more money in their own pockets.
She said: “The pressure of the ongoing higher cost of living continues to affect families and communities across Renfrewshire.
“This is why providing the support to help people keep more money in their pockets is vital … There is always much more to do as the higher cost of living continues to affect people across Renfrewshire.
“Our teams will continue to use data to ensure we are providing the most effective support that creates real change for families and communities.”
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