Effective practice |

Supporting families through the cost of living crisis

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Provider
Western Learning Federation Riverbank Special School
Number of pupils
71
Age range
4-11
Information about the school
Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
Description of nature of strategy or activity
What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?

Information about the school

Riverbank School is situated in the West of Cardiff and is part of the Western Learning Federation working alongside Ty Gwyn and Woodlands School. It is maintained by Cardiff City Council local authority. The additional learning needs of pupils are varied. Just under half of pupils have speech, communication and language difficulties and a further quarter have autistic spectrum condition (ASC). Just under two fifths of pupils have severe learning difficulties. Fourteen per cent of pupils have a general learning difficulty and and/or physical and medical needs. Nearly all the pupils have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Individual Development Plan which include physical, sensory, medical, emotional and behavioural difficulties.  

English is the predominant language for many pupils.  Currently no pupils speaking Welsh as a first language. Just under a fifth of pupils come from minority ethnic backgrounds and just over a quarter of pupils and their families speak English as an additional language.  Just over a third of pupils receive free school meals.  

Context and background to the effective or innovative practice

The school became increasingly aware that due to the cost-of-living crisis, some families may be experiencing financial difficulty. 

The school recognised that not all families were aware of information and support that may be of use to them.  The school fully understood that this was, potentially, a very sensitive matter for families. 

Description of nature of strategy or activity

The school decided that it needed to signpost parents to the different types of support that were available. 

The school held a Family Fun Day and invited different agencies to attend.  This informal environment allowed parents to engage with colleagues from different support agencies.  Agency staff were able to share information on funding, including grants with parents.  A communication app was also used the share information. 

The school also hosts the money advice service where families are able to meet advisors over a coffee and a chat.  These confidential, drop-in sessions have been appreciated by those families that have accessed them.   

What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?

Families are more confident and comfortable to approach staff for advice or signposting around finances or any other concerns or worries they may have.  School staff have a greater level of awareness of individual family’s needs and how best to signpost families.  

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