Pupil consultation identified a high number of young people attending school without breakfast so, in collaboration with pupils, a universal breakfast club was established.
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Young people have created their own promotional video about the breakfast club, so all pupils know about it and the benefits of free breakfast at school. The video also supports fundraising efforts which has included awards from Participatory Budgeting initiatives, local sponsorship and donations from businesses within the community to continue funding this vital universal provision.
Off the back of dedicated Cost of the School Day work in 2022, the school now runs a pupil equity group. Stewart Clelland, PT for Raising Attainment, supports the group and says that:
“they are my ears on the ground and can report back to me and senior leaders which costs are difficult for pupils.”
The pupil equity group created, promotes and tops up classroom well-being boxes which provides free essential items for all pupils including snacks, toiletries and stationery. The group has also worked to move the school’s food pantry into the community to a more accessible and discreet location so more families are able to access it. They raised with their school some of the hidden costs associated with Duke of Edinburgh expeditions including the cost of food for overnight activities, which has resulted in all pupils now being able to access the free community larder to stock up on provisions. One pupil said that:
“It can sometimes be all these little extra costs that can mean it’s actually hard to take part, some people will be worried about having enough money”
Alongside work in their own school the group have been volunteering at a neighbouring Primary school’s breakfast club. The time they dedicate to their Cost of the School Day work also contributes towards their Saltire and Duke of Edinburgh volunteering hours. The group continues to look at ways they can reduce costs in school with a strong understanding that:
“Poverty can be a big thing in schools, and it can affect lots of children’s rights.”
“Not everyone that needs help knows they can get it.”