The resource has been produced by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Children North East and forms part of the on-going Cost of the School Day project.
The calendar breaks down on a month-by-month basis common barriers to education for disadvantaged children and offers alternatives and other suggestions. This includes highlighting common annual celebration days in schools and how we can avoid making these inaccessible for disadvantaged children.
There is also general advice about issues such as uniforms, trips, school lunches, gym kits, pencils and pens, dress down days and other school costs that can be difficult to afford for low-income families.
Throughout the calendar, there are ideas and good practice examples from schools across England, Scotland and Wales who have taken part in the Cost of the School Day project.
The calendar states: “When children and young people can’t take part in opportunities because of cost, they miss out and feel excluded, and it is harder for them to learn, achieve and be happy at school.”
Schools can download a free copy of the calendar online. A further 40 printed copies are being sent for free to the first 40 schools signing up to CPAG’s Cost of the School Day action pledge.