New JFF research project aims to improve financial education for children in vulnerable circumstances
Just Finance Foundation (JFF) has launched a new research project, expanding the capacity of our LifeSavers programme to provide quality financial education to children in vulnerable circumstances, particularly those with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Children requiring this additional support are more likely to grow up facing disadvantage – and we know that starting financial education from a young age is key to preparing them for a brighter future.
Despite this, our experience working with schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) has identified a significant gap in financial education support and resource provision aimed for children who attend Alternative Provision settings – namely PRUs and Behaviour Support Centres (BSCs). JFF’s new research project aims to bridge this gap between Alternative Provision and mainstream financial education.
Thanks to generous funding from the Money and Pensions Service, we will work directly with PRUs and BSCs to review existing resources and understand how to effectively adapt our products to serve teachers and children in this context. Using this research, we will expand our LifeSavers programme to include tools, resources, and training to meet the needs of this group. Our aim is to make these learnings available in a public report, contributing important knowledge to the sector and aiding the development of additional support in the future.
Every child deserves the chance at an equal financial future – this innovative research will put us on the right path to achieving this goal.
Laura Halloran, Head of Financial Education JFF, explains:
“This new research will be game-changing. It helps fill a huge gap, allowing us to support schools with the best and most appropriate teaching resources depending on the individual needs of their students.”
Sarah Barlow, a qualified teacher with extensive experience in SEMH (social, emotional and mental health), has recently joined JFF to lead this project. Reflecting on the research project Sarah Barlow said:
“I aim to support teachers who are working hard to make sure that students with additional needs are receiving the same quality of education as those in mainstream classrooms. I’m excited to learn from their strengths and skills, and ensure we develop resources that improve their teaching experience.”
Sarah Porretta, Executive Director at the Money and Pensions Service, said:
“Less than half of the UK’s children receive a meaningful financial education in school or at home. This leaves them less likely to develop the knowledge and confidence they need to manage their money, both now and in later life. For those children in vulnerable circumstances, the risk is even greater.
“It’s essential to understand what works and fill in the gaps when it comes to training teachers and practitioners, so they can provide an effective financial education for every child and young person. This is why we’re delighted to be working with Just Finance Foundation on testing new approaches and delivering this vital education and training.
“MaPS are committed to working with others to improve financial education as part of our UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing. Together, we can make real progress towards our national goal of two million more children and young people receiving a meaningful financial education by 2030.”
Teachers working in PRUs or BSCs are encouraged to participate in this new research project. You can register your interest by contacting sarah.barlow@jff.org.uk
JFF is grateful to the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) for making this new research possible. This funding is part of a new grant programme funded by MaPS which focuses on improving children and young people’s financial wellbeing. Read more about the funding here.