Thriving: Cost of the School Day

We are acutely aware of the financial pressures that exist for many of our families. These come at the same time as significant financial challenges for all public services. Our policy on reducing the cost of the school day can be accessed directly here: The Rosehill Way: The Cost of the School Day 

Our Commitments

We consistently review our practices to ensure we minimise costs to families wherever possible. Current supports include:

• Inclusive Dress Code
  A sensible approach to dress code, welcoming alternatives to logoed items and removing requirements for specific items, e.g. PE kit brands or styles.

• Equitable Access to Co-Curricular Activities
  All co-curricular activities within the school are available free of charge to pupils.

• Affordable Off-Site Opportunities
  We design all off-site learning experiences to be as cost-neutral as possible and do not plan activities that are not accessible to all or almost all families.

• Meet and Eat Breakfast provision
  A space is available for young people to start the day with a healthy breakfast in Meadow and/or the library. House Teams invite young people to participate, but you can also get in touch with them to request a place.

• Rosehill Helping Hands
  Our initiative to support families in understanding and accessing the financial support available to them. Families can contact us confidentially for guidance or support.

• Free School Meals and Clothing Grants
  Around 25% of our school population is already eligible for free school meals and clothing grants. You can find out how to apply for these here: East Lothian Free School Meals Application. 

Our Next Steps (2025-2026)

We are constantly developing new ways to address the cost of the school day. Some of our upcoming initiatives include:

• Take What You Need Trolley
  Launching soon in house rooms, these trolleys will be stocked with essential school supplies, hygiene products, and non-perishable snacks - available to any young person who needs them, no questions asked.

• Uniform and Equipment Recycling
  A sustainable system for recycling school dress code and redistributing gently used items to young people who need them. 

• Self-Care Kits

Through our Self-Care Kits initiative, we will aim to provide young people with discreet access to hygiene products such as toiletries, personal care items, and other essentials. This initiative will help remove barriers to self-confidence and wellbeing, ensuring that no child feels disadvantaged due to a lack of resources.

• Winter Jacket and Trainer Swap
  Collaborating with the local community to offer a winter jacket, sports kit, and trainer swap programme, ensuring all young people have access to suitable clothing and equipment while promoting sustainable clothing practices.

• Wallyford Learning Campus Food Pantry
  Plans are underway to establish a food pantry within Wallyford Learning Campus, in collaboration with our Community Partnership Team, to provide take-home bags to members of the community for a small donation. 

Springboard: Community Support Resources

We understand that financial challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. To support our families further, we’ve created this Springboard section - a hub of information about local and national resources offering financial assistance, practical support, and guidance. 

Below, you’ll find links to a range of organisations and services designed to help ease the financial burden on families. Whether you need help with food, clothing, energy bills, or general financial advice, these resources are here for you. Please contact us via admin if you would like some support.

Financial and Benefits Support

• The Department for Work and Pensions - responsible for administering welfare benefits and pensions in the UK.

• Social Security Scotland - responsible for administering devolved social security benefits in Scotland, e.g. Best Start Grants, Scottish Child Payment and Young Carer Grant.

• Turn2Us - a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. Find out more about welfare benefits, grants and charitable funds you may be entitled to.

• Citizens Advice Scotland - provide free, independent and confidential advice to local residents on a range of matters including benefits, debt and housing advice.

• East Lothian Housing Association - Money & Home Energy Advice Service - offer help with managing energy costs and accessing grants for bills.

• East Lothian Council - Help with the cost of living crisis guide - also contains information about additional help available. 

• Home Energy Scotland - provide advice to customers on reducing energy bills and staying warm at home

Food and Essential Resources

• East Lothian Foodbank - provide emergency food and support to local people who are referred to the Foodbank.

• Cash for Kids - support children and young people living in poverty with practical resources and grants.

• Carefree Kids - East Lothian Uniform Bank - a uniform bank ensuring young people have access to clothing for school.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

• CAPS Independent Advocacy - provide independent advocacy for people who use or have used mental health services.

• Drop-in Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub - East Lothian Community Hospital - located at the East Lothian Community Hospital, Haddington, offering mental health support to local residents.

Young People’s Resources

• Young Scot National Entitlement Card - provide discounts and free travel opportunities for young people aged 11-26.

• East Lothian Council - Services and Advice for Young People - provide free or low-cost activities, events, and opportunities tailored to young people.

Additional Local Resources

• Volunteer Centre East Lothian - provide support, advice, learning and development opportunities for both individuals and organisations to help our community advance.

• Wallyford Community Centre - a hub based in Wallyford Learning Campus offering community events and support services.

Suggestions Box: Share Your Ideas

We’re always looking for ways to better support our Rosehill community. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify new opportunities, improve existing initiatives, and ensure that every young person and their family feels supported.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, concerns, or feedback about the Cost of the School Day, please let us know!

Simply click the link below to share your thoughts anonymously.

Please note: While we value and consider all suggestions, we cannot commit to implementing every idea. However, we are always open to exploring new possibilities and finding practical ways to support our school community. 

Submit Your Suggestions Here