We are working to discover what it really means for children to live in families struggling desperately to make ends meet.
As part of our comprehensive investigation to uncover the true cost of poverty in school, We are gathering written evidence about the subject. If you have views, insights or experience about the cost of school, please find out how you can submit evidence to support our inquiry. (All submissions must be received by 5pm on 28 July.)
Another part of our investigation involves the formal inquiry evidence sessions we led in the Houses of Parliament on 14, 16 and 17 July.
What we’re investigating
Our commission is determined to build a clearer picture of how poverty affects children in school. We want to find out what support is provided to children in this situation and what we can learn from other people or organisations about possible solutions to the problems children in poverty face at school.
We are keen to find ways of making sure that children and young people in poverty enjoy all the same educational and social benefits of school life as others do.
We are focusing on:
1. School meals (lunches)
2. School uniforms
3. Cost of materials
We will also investigate the emotional impact that the cost of these or related aspects of school life can bring and the extent to which children and young people are, or feel, excluded from important areas of the school experience. We’ll also explore the behaviour of fellow pupils, teachers and other school staff to pupils living in poverty.
We want to hear from you
Whether you know about the cost of school meals or school uniforms, other costs related to school or something else, we want to hear from you.
If you care about the cost of school, please find out how you can provide evidence.
The Children’s Commission on Poverty
