Category

• Promising Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Reduction

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Poverty driver

• Increase income from benefits

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Keywords

• Income Maximisation
• Financial Advice
• Families
• Benefits Advice
• Attainment Gap

Aim

- To build a positive relationship between the school and pupils’ families.

-To reduce the impact of poverty on Braes High pupils and their families.

Summary

The Braes High School (Falkirk) Maximising Income for Families project works in partnership with the Community Advice Service (Falkirk Council), Senior Benefits Advisor and a dedicated IMO. The project aims to provide financial advice to the families of pupils, it involves advising parents on which unclaimed benefits they may be entitled to. This is particularly aimed at the families of students who are a part of the schools Onwards and Upwards scheme. Those wishing to participate can either self-refer or have a member of staff refer them. The project has nurtured a positive relationship between home and school for families.

What difference does it make?

Families of children attending Braes High School feel more comfortable in contacting the school for support.

A notable rise in family participation in school, as more positive relationships between school and home have been established because of the project.

Organisations

Braes High School, Falkirk Council

Location

Falkirk (primarily Braes High School Catchment area)

Key take-aways

• A positive and supportive environment is necessary in encouraging parents to engage with financial support services.
• The support provided by this project has allowed more positive relationships to form between pupils’ school and home lives.
• Use of this service allows pupils experiencing poverty to flourish and to focus more upon their educational attainment.

 

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