Leaders from 11 of Sefton’s Early Years’ settings recently took part in training to help reduce financial pressures on parents and carers.

Significant pressure on family budgets

Those taking part included representatives from private, voluntary and independent nurseries. They learnt about how things like themed days, trips and celebrations as well as special clothing requirements can place significant pressure on family budgets. 

This forms part of Sefton Council’s ongoing partnership with Children North East, focusing on poverty awareness and identifying actions that early years settings can take to better support children and families experiencing financial hardship. 

The workshop helped participants develop a greater awareness of how well-intentioned initiatives can sometimes unintentionally exclude or stigmatise children and families. It also strengthened their understanding of the financial pressures some families face.

In-work poverty

Among the issues that arose during the training was the growing levels of in-work poverty and the impact of rising living costs. This is resulting in a much broader range of families facing financial pressures.

Participants discussed the effects of themed clothing days. They said even suggestions that children wear something England football team related during the recent World Cup tournament could create financial pressure on families.

Affordable ideas

Producing a year-round calendar of planned events was another idea suggested. This would give parents and carers the chance to prepare ahead and come up with affordable ideas.

Afterwards, participants described he training as ‘insightful’ and ‘thought-provoking’ and said it was highly relevant to their work with children and families.

The learning will be supported further through planned one-to-one follow-up sessions. This will help participants consider how to apply the insights gained in their own settings.

No child should miss out

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said: “No child should miss out on opportunities because of the hidden costs that can come with attending nursery or school.

"We know many early years providers are already starting to reflect on hidden costs and attending this training helped develop their thinking further. 

"Those who attended will have come away with a broader awareness of where costs can arise and supporting them to take a more strategic approach to reducing barriers for families."

Realities of family life

The workshop forms part of Sefton's commitment to tackling child poverty by ensuring children and families receive support that is equitable, inclusive and sensitive to the realities of family life. Commissioned by Sefton's Public Health Team and delivered by Children North East, the training helps providers identify and address additional costs that can create barriers for families. 

By reviewing policies and practices through a poverty-aware lens, Early Years settings can play a vital role in reducing stigma, improving access and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Practical strategies to support families

Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The feedback from the attendees on the course shows the value of this poverty awareness programme in building understanding and challenging assumptions as well as equipping staff with practical strategies to support families more effectively.

“It will help ensure children can participate fully, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

“Twenty-five Sefton schools have already taken part in the training with more signed up for sessions in September.”

Register your interest

Early Years providers in Sefton can register their interest in future poverty awareness and training opportunities by contacting Bev Colford in Sefton’s Early Years service at Beverley.colford@sefton.gov.uk or on 07773 096500.

You can find Sefton's Child Poverty Strategy here.