Study’s concern of hidden schooling costs

Hidden costs in the education system are impacting on Scotland’s poorest families, according to a new report.

The Stirling University study suggested families living in poverty are struggling to pay for the day-to-day cost of school.

The report also suggests inclusion in the education system privileges those who are better off, rather than preventing and mitigating poverty.

Payments for school trips and school uniforms were cited as key concerns for families on low incomes.

The Scottish Government has said it plans spending £750 million between 2016 and 2021 to tackle the impact of poverty on education in schools.

Dr Morag Treanor, the author of the report, argues that although progress has been made in tackling poverty in education, there are still challenges facing the provisions put in place.

The report recommended local authorities impose a maximum limit for the cost of school trips, issue guidance to schools encouraging them to allow more time for paying for activities, and use pupil equity funds to ensure inclusion of all pupils in school trips and activities.

It also suggests teachers be offered continuing professional development on the nature, causes and consequences of poverty, and called for the practice of withholding clothing grants from pupils on an Educational Maintenance Allowance to be stopped.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We believe that all children and young people should be able to make the most of the educational opportunities available to them, regardless of their background or their family’s financial circumstances, and have introduced a number of measures including free school meals for all infant pupils and a national minimum school clothing grant of £100.

“We do not support withholding grants from those receiving Educational Maintenance Allowance,” she added.