Poverty Proofing Statement

“Poverty Proofing the School Day is about schools reflecting on their day-to-day practice to reduce the stigma and discrimination pupils’ face, with the aim of ensuring that all pupils can participate fully in all aspects of school life.” North East Child Poverty Commission

According to Government statistics, around 4.1 million children (30%) are living in poverty in the UK today. 70% of children living in poverty live in a household where at least one parent works. Living in poverty impacts upon children’s health both physically and mentally, which in turn can effect attendance in school. This can result in further problems in terms of attainment and a gap widening between their peers but also in the maintenance of friendships.

Here at Christ Church CE Academy we want to address these issues, and by working alongside others, including the North East Child Poverty Commission, we will strive to enact changes in school policies and procedures to reflect our commitment to poverty proofing our school.

We endeavour to ensure that all children at Christ Church CE Academy experience a compassionate learning environment where they can achieve, have choice and enjoy without the burden of financial constraint.

“Poverty Proofing the School Day aims to support schools to identify and overcome the barriers to learning faced by children and young people from families with fewer financial resources. This process is about schools reflecting on their day-to-day practice to reduce the stigma and discrimination pupils’ face, with the aim of ensuring that all pupils can participate fully in all aspects of school life. While the causes of poverty can be attributed to our economy schools have a crucial role to play in supporting children, young people and their families to loosen the grip that poverty has on them." North East Child Poverty Commission