Cost of the School Day

We are committed to ensuring that every child at Stow Primary School has equal access to all opportunities available to them, regardless of financial position.

As a school we looked at reducing the cost of the school day to ensure that all our children have access to resources and activities which cost money. More than 1 in 5 children across Scotland are officially recognised as living in poverty. In addition, 7 out of 10 children living in relative poverty are in working households.

It is important that every family is aware of the support that our school can provide and therefore this section of the website provides details of some of the support available.

In addition, our school receives Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) to help close the poverty-related attainment gap. Our PEF allocation is based on the number of pupils claiming free meals and clothing grants, £1200 per pupil – we encourage you to claim the benefits available to you as this will ensure the school receives the correct amount of PEF and enable us to provide additional support to benefit individual pupils.

 

Stow Poverty Proofing Policy

School Clothing

  • We will provide a paper version of Scottish Borders Council Clothing Grant application forms at enrolment and for any new pupils.
  • An electronic link to Clothing Grant application forms will be included in our monthly newsletters.
    Office staff will offer to help anyone who may need assistance completing the forms.
  • We will positively promote the wearing of the school uniform to create a school identity. In addition this helps prevent ‘competition’ among pupils for the latest designer clothing/footwear.
  • The only school branded item we will ask pupils to wear is the school sweatshirt/cardigan/jumper which can be purchased with our logo from Border Embroideries. Although other branded uniform items are also available from this supplier we have a flexible approach so parents can look at a range of suppliers.
  • We have a ‘Pre-Loved Shop’ which is located in our entrance foyer. All parents are welcome to pop in at any time and take any items of clothing.       There is the opportunity to leave a donation if they so wish.
  • We have added PE kit, including gym shoes, to our ‘Pre-Loved Shop’ range.
  • Parents will be asked at the end of the year if they have any items that they would like to donate to the ‘Pre-Loved Shop’. In addition any items in lost property for longer than 3 months will be added to the stock.
  • If a child regularly comes to school without uniform we can provide uniform items and PE kit.
Food & Snacks

  • We will provide a paper version of Scottish Borders Council Free School Meals application form at enrolment and for any new pupils.
  • An electronic link to Free School Meal application forms will be included in our monthly newsletters.
    Office staff will offer to help anyone who may need assistance completing the forms.
  • Fruit / toast will be available for any child who complains of feeling hungry or may not have a snack.
  • If a child’s parents have not booked a lunch on ParentPay and they do not have a packed lunch we will always provide a school lunch.
  • If a child regularly does not have lunch booked and paid for we will contact the family to discuss and cover the costs of lunch for an agreed period.
  • We will provide cups and/or bottles for water for those children who may not be able to bring one from home.
  • We are aware that it can be difficult for parents to meet the cost of nursery snack. If this is the case, please speak in confidence to one of the nursery staff who can support you with this.

 

In The Classroom

  • We will provide stationery and other essentials in the classroom which pupils can use at any time.
Out of School Learning

  • All staff must bear in mind when setting out of school tasks/homework that not all children will have access to computer, tablet or the internet.
  • All staff must bear in mind when setting out of school tasks that not all children will have access to resources such as arts and crafts, folders etc. Staff should ensure that all children are given or offered the resources they need to complete a task.
  • To encourage and promote reading we have a pre loved book/ library in the foyer that all children can access.
  • We are aware that it can be difficult for parents to meet the cost of after school clubs. If this is the case, please speak in confidence to us.
Charity, Special Events and Fundraising

  • We will keep ‘dress down’ days to a minimum and consider carefully the theme to ensure no additional cost to parents. These days will always be donation only and no one will be excluded from taking part if they do not have a donation.
  • Any ‘bake sales’ will be spread out across the year to avoid asking for money too often.
  • Children will be discouraged from bringing in electronic devices for topic, show and tell etc. as they may lead to competition and stigmatisation.

 

School, Trips & Activities

  • Where a trip or activity (apart from P7 residential) does have a cost attached we will ask parents for a ‘donation’ towards the cost. Any shortfall will be met by the school or from the ‘Inclusion Fund’.
  • We will always give parents as much notice as we can of activities and trips to allow time to save and pay.
  • We will use ParentPay to pay for trips or events over £1.00 whenever possible to ensure privacy.
  • We will ask the Parent Council for financial support in some instances e.g. trips / outings
  • For the P7 residential we give the parents 18 months to pay in instalments to help spread the cost. In addition we will look at any requests for financial help and use the Doughty Trust and local charities to support families.
  • We will always negotiate with families who may be facing financial difficulties a payment plan which can go on beyond the date of the activity/event.
  • We will not operate a first come, with payment, first serve policy for any trip or event.
  • We will not read out names of children who have not paid. If necessary the office staff will communicate directly with parents.

Financial Support

Uniform Swap Shop

We have a uniform swap shop located  in the reception
area at the front of the school.

This is where you can drop off school clothing that your
children have out grown so that they can be used by other families within the school.

The clothes that are within the swap shop are available for any family to make good use of.

 

Opportunities Fund

The Parent Council Opportunities Fund can be accessed by any family who require a bit of financial assistance to support trips or equipment for school.

The application form for this support is simple and confidential.  To apply for financial support from the Opportunities Fund please click the link below.

Opportunities Fund Application

 

Free School Meals and Clothing Grant

Scottish Borders Council can provide children with free school meals and financial assistance towards the purchase of school clothing. The current amount payable is £100 per qualifying child.

All children in primary one to three are automatically eligible for a free school meal. For all other children to qualify, you must meet certain criteria. For further information and to apply for support please click on the link below:

Apply for or renew free school meals and clothing grant