New project aiming to make sure all pupils can stay warm in school

Hu n d r e d s of Dundee bairns will be saved from shivering at school this winter thanks to a new project.

Cosy Bairns was launched after parents throughout the city were recently asked to provide their children with extra clothes to wear in class because classrooms must stay ventilated to combat C o v i d -1 9 , even when temperatures drop.

“That is a big ask for many families,” said the o r g a n i s e r, Councillor Lynne Short.

“I decided to try to do something to help and got together with Dundee Bairns and Togs for Tots to try to raise money to buy cosy clothes.”

She said Dundee City Council had arranged for special prices to buy the clothes, including jackets, hats, wellies and trainers.

She said: “Last week we secured seed funding and were able to get prototypes of the winter bundles

needed. Working with a procurement specialist in the city means we can bring in the secondary school bundle for £ 24 compared to an original cost of around £70.”

She said an online SurveyMonkey circulating among primary family liaison workers indicated 500 bundles were needed for primary pupils, and conversations with

secondary begun.

“We have had commitments from a number of founders to get us up and running to start with but we are probably looking at about £3,000 to deliver,” she said.

Genna Millar of Dundee Bairns said Cosy Bairns was needed to address the inequalities vulnerable children face in the city. schools had

Cosy Bairns organiser Councillor Lynne Short.