Education

Poverty not only affects a child's wellbeing but also their potential attainment at school. By GCSE, there is a 28% gap between children receiving free school meals and their wealthier peers in terms of the number achieving at least 5 A* - C (or equivalent) GCSE grades.

Practical actions

Audit high density areas and identify key schools in our communities to work with
Engage with the schools and work with them to identify what the pressure points are for low income families who need the most help, agreeing ways we can help as a responsible business with a vested interest in the local community
Identify suitable volunteering opportunities for employees, utilising practical skill sets (e.g. money advice, reading/writing)

Case study

We're committed to work with CPAG to implement the 'Cost of the School Day' programme in a small pilot of schools within the communities we operate in.

To find out more about CPAG's work, click here.

Benefits

Make education more accessible for low income families
Reduce stress and anxiety for parents and children
Remove barriers to participation and negative experiences for children and young people
Improve educational attainment of children

Testimonials

"Housing providers can play a vital role in helping to support families in their communities. It is great that Orbit is showing leadership with this campaign - we all have to work together to solve UK poverty."

Brian Robson, Acting Head of Policy & Research, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)