Poverty Proofing

Poverty Proofing at Ripon Grammar School

Ensuring Every Student Can Learn, Participate and Thrive

At Ripon Grammar School we believe that every student should have the same opportunity to learn, participate and succeed, regardless of their financial circumstances.

We recognise that the rising cost of living can create challenges for families and are committed to reducing any barriers that may prevent students from fully accessing education, enrichment opportunities and wider school life.

Following our Poverty Proofing review, we have introduced a number of measures to make our school more inclusive and supportive for all families. These include increasing access to second-hand uniform through our termly New to You Uniform Sales, promoting Free School Meal eligibility, improving signposting to local support services, and reducing financial barriers to participation in school life.

What We Have Done

Learning Resources and Equipment

To ensure that students can access lessons without unnecessary financial barriers, we have:

  • Established systems for students to access essential learning equipment discreetly when required.
  • Reviewed curriculum areas where additional costs may arise and worked to minimise these wherever possible.
  • Ensured staff understand the importance of supporting students without drawing attention to their circumstances.
  • Developed a range of processes to ensure that all students can access the resources and equipment they need to be successful in their learning. Parents and carers who would like support with providing school equipment are encouraged to contact their child's Head of Year, who will be happy to discuss the assistance available and help ensure that students have everything they need to fully participate in school life.

Food and Free School Meals

We recognise the importance of students having access to nutritious food throughout the school day.

We have:

  • Increased awareness of Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility amongst families.
  • Improved communication about the support available for eligible students.
  • Shared information about local food support and holiday activity programmes.
  • Worked to ensure students can access support in a dignified and confidential manner.
  • Increased signposting to Government guidance and the application process for Free School Meals. [gov.uk]

Free School Meals

If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, we strongly encourage you to apply. Eligibility may not only help with the cost of school lunches but can also provide access to additional support programmes and holiday activities. [gov.uk], [educationh...log.gov.uk]

Useful Information

Food Support and Holiday Activities

We actively signpost families to local organisations and programmes that can provide practical support during periods of financial difficulty. [riponcommu...ouse.co.uk], [northyorks.gov.uk]

Local Food Support

Ripon Community House Food Support

Emergency food parcels are available for individuals and families experiencing crisis situations in Ripon and the surrounding villages. Referrals can be made through schools, GPs, health visitors and other professional agencies. [riponcommu...ouse.co.uk], [hadca.org.uk]

Find out more:Food Support at Ripon Community House[riponcommu...ouse.co.uk]

Waste Not Wednesday

Hosted by Ripon Community House, this initiative helps reduce food waste whilst making surplus food available to local residents. [riponcommu...ouse.co.uk]

Find out more:Ripon Community House[riponcommu...ouse.co.uk]

FEAST Holiday Activities and Food Programme

FEAST (Food, Entertainment, Arts and Sport Together) is North Yorkshire's Holiday Activities and Food Programme. It provides free holiday activities and meals during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays for children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals. Activities include sport, arts, outdoor education, cookery and youth activities. [northyorks.gov.uk], [northyorks...ther.co.uk]

Useful Links

Children eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals receive a voucher from school which can be used to access many FEAST activities free of charge. [northyorks...port.co.uk], [northyorks.gov.uk]

School Uniform

We understand that uniform costs can place pressure on family budgets.

We have:

  • Promoted access to high-quality second-hand uniform.
  • Reviewed our uniform expectations to ensure they remain reasonable and affordable.
  • Developed systems to support students who may require replacement uniform items during the school year. Parents and carers who would like assistance with school uniform are encouraged to contact our Student Welfare Officer at [harec@ripongrammar.com]. We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to the uniform they need and will work sensitively and confidentially with families to provide appropriate support.
  • Raised staff awareness of the challenges some families may face in meeting uniform costs.
  • Introduced a termly New to You Uniform Sale, providing families with the opportunity to purchase quality pre-loved uniform items at a reduced cost.
  • Ensured details of upcoming uniform sales are shared with families through regular school communications.

New to You Uniform Sales

Each term, we hold a New to You Uniform Sale, giving families the opportunity to purchase quality second-hand uniform items at affordable prices.

The sale helps reduce costs for families whilst supporting our commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.

Information about upcoming sales, including dates and times, is shared with families through school communications.

Educational Visits and Enrichment

Every student should have the opportunity to benefit from educational visits and extra-curricular activities.

We have:

  • Reviewed the costs associated with school trips and activities.
  • Improved communication regarding financial support that may be available.
  • Considered affordability when planning enrichment opportunities.
  • Worked to reduce barriers to participation wherever possible.

Fully funded term-time, non-residential educational visits for Pupil Premium students in Years 7 to 11.

Fully funded participation in the Year 9 Bewerley Park residential visit for Pupil Premium students.

Significantly contributed towards the cost of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Pupil Premium students.

Communication and Support

We know that asking for help can sometimes feel difficult.

To support families, we have:

  • Improved the information available about financial support.
  • Increased signposting to local and national organisations that can help.
  • Developed clear points of contact within school for families requiring support.
  • Continued to promote a culture where support can be accessed confidentially and without stigma.

Local Support Available

Citizens Advice North Yorkshire

Advice on benefits, debt, housing, employment and budgeting.

Website: https://www.cany.org.uk

Ripon Community House

A local charity providing practical support, food support and community services. [riponcommu...ouse.co.uk]

Website: https://www.riponcommunityhouse.co.uk/

Ripon Food Support

Emergency food parcels for individuals and families experiencing hardship in Ripon and the surrounding villages. [riponcommu...ouse.co.uk], [hadca.org.uk]

Website: https://www.riponcommunityhouse.co.uk/food-support-ripon-surrounding-areas/

North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund

Support with essential household costs and emergency situations.

Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk

FEAST Holiday Activities and Food Programme

Free holiday activities and meals for eligible children and young people. [northyorks.gov.uk], [northyorks...ther.co.uk]

Website: https://northyorkshiretogether.co.uk/feast/

The Go-To

Mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people and families.

Website: https://thegoto.org.uk

Need Support?

If financial pressures are affecting your child's education, attendance, wellbeing or ability to participate fully in school life, please contact:

Mrs H Keelan-Edwards
Deputy headteacher and DSL
keelan-edwardsh@ripongrammar.com

All enquiries will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Working Together

Poverty proofing is an ongoing process. We continually review our practices, listen to feedback from students and families, and look for ways to ensure that all young people can access every aspect of school life without financial barriers.

If you have suggestions about how we can further improve our provision, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their financial circumstances.