The aim of ‘Poverty Proofing the School Day’ is to remove barriers to learning which exist because of the impact of living in poverty.
Schools have a key role to play in tackling poverty and serving all learners equally is not enough – there needs to be a specific focus on those children and young people who are growing up in poverty. Within Bargeddie Primary we believe that tackling disadvantage is at the heart of what we do. We will ensure that all families who reach out to us for support and assistance will be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
“More than one in five (210,000) children across Scotland are officially recognised as living in poverty. In North Lanarkshire, it is estimated that 24.9% (17, 922) of children are in poverty. Insufficient household income can mean that some children and young people don’t have the resources needed for school and can’t easily afford to take part in school activities, which cost money. This can put them at risk of missing out on opportunities at school and feeling different, excluded and unhappy.
UNICEF estimates that 19% of British children live in food insecure households. This means that there are times when their household does not have sufficient funds to buy enough food, or they cannot buy the full variety of foods needed for a healthy diet.
Education structures, policies and practices affect children and young people from low-income households and can present difficulties and financial barriers to participation throughout the school and nursery day. Understanding more about this from children’s perspectives can support Education and Families, schools and family learning centres to ‘poverty-proof’ their policies and practices so that conditions are right for all children and young people to learn and to achieve.” (Source: NLC Education and Families Guidance Paper on Poverty Proofing Schools and Family Learning Centres)
Breakfast Club
We have a breakfast club in Bargeddie Primary that runs from 8.15 – 8.50 each morning. Any pupil can attend and there is cereal, milk and toast available. It is free for all pupils in Primary 1-4 and those pupils in Primary 5-7 who are entitled to Free School Meals. (this will be adjusted in line with the Scottish Government extension of free school meals). For all other pupils the cost is £1 per day with a sliding scale for families of two at £1.50 per day and families of three at £1.80 per day.
Free school meal entitlement
Currently all pupils in Primary 1 to 4 are entitled to Free School Meals. This is due to be expanded to include Primary 5 pupils at the start of 2022.
Free School Meals/ Clothing Grant application
If you think that you may be eligible for Free School Meals please click here. If you qualify for Free School Meals you will also qualify for a clothing grant, which is currently £140 for session 2021-2022.
To view our full Poverty Proofing Policy, please click on the link below:
Poverty-Proofing-Policy-2023 – 2024
Social Security Scotland
Social Security Scotland have 5 payments for families who get tax credits or certain benefits, to help balance the costs of looking after young children.
Best Start Grant (Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment): one-off payments at key stages during your child’s early years.
Best Start Foods: a prepaid card to buy healthy food when you’re pregnant and for your kids under 3.
Scottish Child Benefit: £40 every 4 weeks for children under 6.
To find out more click here.
Financial Support
Please find some communications that might be of use:
Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund – 26-10-21
Financial Inclusion Team Details 7-10-21
Scottish Child Payment Information 7-10-21
To view North Lanarkshire Council’s policies, click on the links below:
NLC Tackling Poverty Updated Action Plan June 2021
NLC Local Child Poverty Action Report 2021
