Pupils celebrating award from Credit Union

SCHOOLCHILDREN in Bridgend are celebrating their success after winning an award from the Credit Unions of Wales.

Oldcastle Primary School pupils visited The Pierhead in Cardiff Bay to receive the top prize from BBC broadcaster Jennifer Jones.

They were nominated for the School Partnership Award by Bridgend Lifesavers Credit Union after running a successful junior savings scheme for pupils.

This not only helped children learn about the importance of saving and financial matters, but also improved other skills such as numeracy and team working.

Nicola Field, general manager of Bridgend Lifesavers Credit Union said: “Even though the partnership between us and Oldcastle Primary School is relatively new, it has already had an incredible impact.

“After a pledge from the school, that meant every new saver receives £2 in their credit union account, the first week saw 76 pupils saving over £340 of their pocket money.

“Since then, the membership has increased to 236 members with a total of £11,900 of savings with the credit union at the end of the school year.”

Headteacher Jeremy Malessa-Thompson said: “Oldcastle Primary School is delighted to win the Credit Union School Partnership Award. The school believes that every child should have the opportunity to start saving and we have worked hard to get as many children as possible to sign up to the school savings club.

“The savings club is run weekly with the help of our Year 4 children who develop numeracy, team working and communication skills.

“Children visit the savings club and we love to hear what they are saving for. We are extremely grateful for the support from the Credit Union.”