The influence of poverty on children's school experiences: pupils' perspectives. (1st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Naven, Lynn; Egan, James; Sosu, Edward M.; Spencer, Sara
• Is Part Of: Journal of poverty and social justice. Volume 27:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2019-10-01
• Subjects: poverty -- attainment -- barriers -- children -- school experiences; Poverty -- Periodicals; Social security -- Periodicals; Exclusion, social -- Periodicals; 361.6
• DOI: 10.1332/175982719X15622547838659
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-8273

Abstract

Abstract : This study examined the potential influence of policies and practices on the ability of children from low-income families to participate fully in the school day. Pupils from six schools participated in 71 focus groups and revealed a range of barriers affecting their school experience: transport costs and limited support; clothing costs, stigma and enforcement of school dress codes; material barriers to learning at school and home; concerns about free school meals; missing out on school trips, clubs and events.Findings on school uniform were an important catalyst towards a recent policy change in Scotland in increasing the school clothing grant.