York schools pilot anti-poverty scheme to support pupils from low-income families
Partners aim to remove barriers and ensure an inclusive school environment
A pilot scheme addressing barriers faced by pupils from low-income families has been launched in seven schools across York.
The initiative, titled Poverty Proofing© the School Day, focuses on reducing the challenges children encounter, such as financial constraints, stigma, and lack of access to resources. The aim is to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all young people.
Led by the York Schools and Academies Board (YSAB), which includes City of York Council, the pilot is part of wider work within the city to promote inclusion and reduce inequalities.
The Poverty Proofing© approach, developed by charity Children North East, will be managed locally by Huntington Research School with methodology support from Children North East. Partner schools involved include All Saints School, Clifton with Rawcliffe Primary School, Fulford School, Joseph Rowntree School, Poppleton Road Primary School, Yearsley Grove Primary School, and York High School.
Tackling barriers to education
The pilot introduces interventions to help families on low incomes, aiming to tackle hidden challenges such as the cost of school uniforms, trips, and after-school clubs. It also focuses on providing resources for homework and ensuring pupils have the equipment they need.
Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, emphasised the importance of addressing poverty.
“Tackling poverty and its generational impact is one of our key priorities. This pilot will support our ongoing work to reduce the impact of poverty on children and young people in our city.”
Leigh Elliott, Chief Executive for Children North East, added:
“We are pleased to bring our Poverty Proofing© work to York to support children and young people. Increasingly, families face financial hardship, and this pilot funded by YSAB will address hidden barriers preventing pupils from fully accessing their education."
Future impact across York schools
The initiative builds on steps already taken by schools in York and may inform similar changes city-wide. The results will be independently evaluated by York St John University to identify successes and areas for improvement.
Jane Elsworth, Director of Huntington Research School, said their own experience with the Poverty Proofing© audit had proven its value.
“We are delighted to be leading this pilot project. We commissioned an audit at Huntington School in 2024, and it was very helpful in removing barriers stemming from low family incomes.”