North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, has called on local schools to get their pupils talking and learning about money, as part of a charity’s new campaign to help improve the financial capability of young people. Every primary and secondary school in Swindon has been sent free Get Money Smart posters and teaching materials by national charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group), which wants to get children talking about money in the classroom.
The charity’s Get Money Smart posters – for children aged up to seven, 11, 14 and 16 – are designed to encourage classroom discussions about things children can do to learn more about money and personal finance. Ideas for different ages include checking your change, estimating the cost of a weekly shop, comparing mobile phone tariffs and planning and budgeting for a trip.
Schools in Swindon are being encouraged to hold discussions with their pupils over 4 things the posters suggest they can do to learn about money – with the 5th being left up to each class to decide. Ideas for the 5th activity can then be shared with other classes across the country on Twitter using the #5thingstodo hashtag.
Justin has thrown his weight behind the effort as a way of helping young people in Swindon to gain the vital skills and knowledge they will need to manage their personal finances throughout their lives. The move follows news that after years of campaigning by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Financial Education for Young People Chaired by Justin, pfeg and MoneySavingExpert.com’s Martin Lewis, financial education will be taught in secondary schools as part of the National Curriculum from September 2014.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "I led the successful campaign to secure Financial Education into the National Curriculum as it is vital we equip the next generation of consumers to be able to make informed and savvy financial decisions. I am grateful my friend Martin Lewis has personally funded the brilliant Get Money Smart scheme".
Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group) said: "We are thrilled to have the support of Justin for this free new scheme for primary and secondary schools in North Swindon. I hope all local schools will seize the opportunity to use their Get Money Smart posters to bring money to life in the classroom. This is a crucial topic that every young person should learn. Getting pupils talking about money and the financial decisions they will face in the future is a great way to start".
