At Lyng Primary School, we believe it is essential to prepare children for life beyond the classroom. One important part of this is helping pupils develop the skills they need to manage money confidently and responsibly.

In September 2024, we introduced our My Money Matters programme. Our vision is that every child leaves Lyng Primary financially capable, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions about money throughout their lives.

Financial education at Lyng is taught through:

• Dedicated sessions led by our Financial Education Champion, Miss Knight, and
• Carefully planned PSHE units delivered by class teachers.

This ensures learning is consistent, progressive and appropriate for all ages.

What Children Learn

Our programme is built around four key strands:

1. How to Manage Money

Children learn to:

• Save and spend wisely
• Understand the difference between wants and needs
• Keep track of money using simple logs, receipts or statements
• Create and stick to basic budgets

2. Managing Risk and Emotions Around Money

Children explore:

• How money can affect feelings such as worry, jealousy or excitement
• How to keep money and personal information safe (PINs, passwords, privacy)
• Understanding borrowing – safe and unsafe choices
• Recognising and responding to scams

3. Becoming a Critical and Eco-Consumer

Pupils learn to make thoughtful choices by:

• Swapping books on World Book Day
• Creating posters about recycling and saving energy
• Taking part in second-hand uniform and clothing initiatives
• Learning from visitors about conserving energy
• Growing food through our Edible Playground lessons to understand sustainability and saving money for the future

4. Understanding the Role of Money in Our Lives

Children develop an understanding of:

• Tax and how governments fund schools, hospitals and roads
• Careers, skills and aspirations through visiting speakers
• Charity and giving — money, time and kindness
• The world of work, including basic understanding of wage slips in Years 5 and 6

Charity and Community Involvement

Children actively take part in fundraising and awareness activities, including:

• Macmillan Coffee Morning
• Children in Need
• Red Nose Day
• Autism Awareness events
• A Salvation Army donation box within school

This helps children understand empathy, generosity and social responsibility.

How Parents Can Support at Home

Families play a vital role in building children’s financial confidence. You can help by:

• Talking openly about money in everyday life
• Giving small amounts of pocket money where possible
• Helping children set savings goals
• Involving them in shopping and budgeting decisions
• Explaining digital money, cards and online safety
• Using games and stories to make learning fun
• Modelling positive money habits
• Encouraging questions and curiosity

Even simple conversations make a big difference.

Useful Resources for Families

These child-friendly websites can help support learning at home:

• Money Heroes – activities and ideas:
  https://moneyheroes.org.uk/
• BBC Bitesize (KS1 Money Game):
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zjkphbk/articles/zvfcp9q
• Top Marks Money Games (7–11 years):
  https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/money

Support for Families

If families need financial support, the following services may be helpful:

• Benefits and financial support for families (GOV.UK)
• Free School Meals – online application (GOV.UK)

School staff are also always available to signpost families to further support if needed