Northern Community Bank launches budgeting advice to primary schools in Ribble Valley
Primary school children across the Ribble Valley are set to gain a better understanding of money, saving and budgeting thanks to a new initiative launched by Northern Community Bank.
As part of a £20,000 community donation programme, the not-for-profit organisation is providing local schools with a free “Money Suitcase” designed to make learning about finance fun and interactive for children and their families.
Each suitcase contains a specially written children’s book by Deborah Meaden, a cuddly toy squirrel named Sammy to encourage children to “squirrel away” their savings, a child-friendly learning guide, a diary and chocolate coins.
The initiative has been introduced to schools across South Craven, Lancashire and Cumbria, including several in the Ribble Valley.
Every week, a different pupil takes the suitcase home to explore topics such as saving, budgeting and financial responsibility with a parent or guardian. The scheme is designed to complement weekly reading programmes and support the PSHE curriculum in schools.
The idea was developed by Claire Dodd, Account Support Officer at Northern Community Bank, while taking part in the Credit Union Development Education Programme in Scotland.
Drawing on her own experience as a mother of three, Claire wanted to create a project that encouraged families to learn together.
She said: “I remember the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee when my son came home with a commemorative book from school. We sat down and read it together, learning and bonding at the same time. That experience stayed with me.
“I wanted to recreate that moment of shared learning – but with a focus on money and life skills.”
After researching financial literacy among children, Claire said she became determined to help improve understanding of money from an early age.
Schools across the area have welcomed the initiative.
Sarah White, headeacher at Brennand’s Endowed CE Primary, Slaidburn and Waddington and West Bradford CE Primary Schools, said the project had already made a positive impact on pupils.
She said: “The red suitcase, complete with Deborah Meaden’s inspiring book, a cuddly toy and gold coins, has already sparked enthusiasm and meaningful discussions about saving and managing money among our Year 5 pupils.
“It has helped bring financial education to life for our Key Stage 2 children and we are delighted to be using it weekly.”
Pupils at Chatburn Church of England Primary School have also benefited from the donation.
Headteacher Emma Gardiner said: “Developing an understanding of money, saving and financial responsibility from an early age is incredibly valuable, and this support has helped us introduce these important concepts in a practical and enjoyable way.
“Partnerships like this make a real difference to schools and provide opportunities that enrich children’s learning beyond the classroom and prepare them for real life.”
Northern Community Bank said the initiative aims to support families, schools and communities by improving financial knowledge and confidence from an early age.