North East Child Poverty Commission 'not surprised' kids are missing school trips due to costs
New UK data by the University of Greenwich shows some are now priced at more than £100
The director of the North East Child Poverty Commission says it's no surprise that two in five children are missing school trips because of the cost of living.
New UK data by the University of Greenwich shows some are now priced at more than £100.
• 46% of parents say they now spend less on family days out due to the cost of living
• Most parents (81%) say that school trips are vital for their child’s wellbeing
• Two fifths of children have either missed out entirely or nearly missed out on a school trip due to financial constraints
Amanda Bailey is from the North East Child Poverty Commission and she said: "The research isn't surprising. We know that obviously the cost of everything seems to have been going up quite extortionately over the last five years or so. And we know that many families, certainly across our region and in other parts of the country, have been really feeling the pressure of that.
"We've seen really big increases over the last five years in food prices, in energy bills, and sadly, the consequence of that for many families has been cutting back on things like being able to pay for school trips and also being able to go for things like days out themselves.
"With the young people that we've spoken to, they've been really, really clear that they felt very strongly about having the opportunity to take part in activities through school and outside of school and to go on trips and experience things, cultural opportunities, sporting opportunities, that they just don't get the chance to do through their family, often because they simply can't afford to do that.
"Young people have spoken to us about the impact that the cost of living crisis has had on them, having to cut back on things as well, things like hobbies, taking part in football, swimming, climbing, other types of sports, and also just how expensive it is for them to just hang out with their friends.
"Young people are facing this situation where their families can't afford to take part in these sort of exciting opportunities. They're being cut back through schools, but also there's fewer youth opportunities in youth provision than there was, say, a decade or 15 years ago."
Researchers say despite this, the value of these experiences is clear. More than four in five parents (81%) believe school trips are vital for their child’s wellbeing, while 88% think they should be protected within school budgets.
Dr Martha Newson, University of Greenwich Professor, says: “By measuring the same children in both classroom and school trip environments, we’re able to isolate how environment affects wellbeing and attention. We found a consistent uplift in curiosity and social connection on trip days, factors closely linked to engagement and learning. The “SDEI” turns what teachers have long observed into evidence, giving schools a practical blueprint for designing trips that deliver the biggest benefits.”
The Government says its child poverty strategy aims to boost family incomes, reduce the costs, and strengthen support locally.