All academies will align with Trust uniform guidelines in line with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, ensuring that branded and compulsory items are kept within the limits set by the legislation, with some schools choosing to go further to reduce costs for families - for example, our primary schools will require only two branded items. As a Trust, we are also using our scale to introduce a single supplier, helping to keep uniform costs down and deliver better value for families.

Secondary academies fully subsidise the first items of branded uniform for new Year 7 intake or new in-year admissions.

All academies provide ongoing support for uniform on an individual needs basis.

Other items of uniform should be generic and readily available from main supermarket and high street chains.

Uniform policies should prevent status-symbol differences (e.g. plain shoes, avoiding logos or designer bags).

The Co-op Academies Community Team will continue to support families with uniform costs through voucher schemes.

Ensure pre-loved or uniform swap initiatives are available, communicated positively (e.g. sustainability/ecological focus) to avoid stigma.

If a particular item is required (e.g. for themed days), provide families with ample notice and clearly communicate available support. Ensure any such events are fully inclusive so that there are no barriers to participation for any student.

Avoid frequent uniform changes (e.g. changes to school ties) to allow families and siblings to re-use items. Where changes are introduced, ensure families are supported.

Decouple uniform sanctions where they could disadvantage pupils experiencing poverty. Pastoral staff should be aware of any pupil who may need support with uniform or PE kit.

Promote lunch times as welcoming, restaurant-style dining experiences where students choose to eat and feel included.

Ensure systems identify students that do not eat during the day, and put measures in place to understand this and support them.

Regularly communicate FSM eligibility and provide inclusive support to families who may face barriers to applying.

Students should have easy, accessible ways to check lunch account balances.

Students removed from mainstream circulation (e.g. isolation or alternative provision) must still have access to hot, healthy food.

Ensure there is always access to free water at break and lunch times, accessible and hygienic.

Ensure a free breakfast is available for all Pupil Premium students as part of a wider commitment to a breakfast offer for all students.

No child goes hungry.

Portion sizes and food availability should satisfy students’ hunger.

Queuing and timing should not prevent access to food.

No free school meal student should be publicly identified at the point of service.

Clear signage on affordable meal deals and inclusion within free school meal allowance so all students have the same choice.

Any new catering contracts should ensure:

Only the value of food taken is charged to FSM allowances.

Unspent FSM allowance can roll over to the next day.

Students can spend part of their allowance at break for snacks without limiting lunchtime options.

Food waste is minimised, with surplus redistributed to students who need it.

Trip/activity letters must follow our Trust charging and remission policy, making clear that support is available if required.

Ensure all students can access extracurricular and enrichment activities, including during the school day.

Ensure residential, day trips, or rewards trips are affordable and equitable.

Avoid first-come deposit scenarios that disadvantage families facing financial constraints.

Publish a calendar of trips/activities in advance to allow families to plan, and regional schools to optimise transport value.

Work experience opportunities should be equitable; students with fewer family resources or connections should still access high-quality placements.

Establish an anonymised email for families to request support (e.g. heretohelp@academyname.co.uk).

Pooling and sharing transport resources should be explored to reduce costs.

Students must have easy access to sanitary products without having to ask.

Extend availability so students can take supplies home if needed.

Homework policies must not advantage students with greater access to resources (e.g. IT, internet, quiet workspace, access to materials or cultural visits).

Equipment required for lessons should be provided by the academy.

Staff should avoid questions or activities that draw attention to students’ financial status. Such as “raise your hands if you’ve been on an aeroplane" or “who went abroad for their holiday this year”.

Curriculum resources should not presume students’ lived experiences.

Hidden or compulsory costs for course options should be explicitly covered by the academy to ensure full access.

Avoid expensive leavers’ gifts and high-cost celebrations.

End-of-year events should be inclusive and support students who may face financial barriers.

Prom clothing exchange or support should be offered in line with Fair Deal principles.

Identify absences linked to barriers related to financial or wider family circumstances, and provide support. Ensure that 

Staff should avoid insensitive questioning that may expose differences in students’ circumstances.

Decouple any automated attendance-related sanctions which may otherwise result in poverty driven issues further disadvantaging students that may be experiencing the impact of poverty. Signpost and support where this is the case.

Plan themed days carefully to ensure all students can participate fully, even those with financial constraints.

Non-uniform days are avoided as they may highlight advantage/disadvantage and increase anxiety; exceptions may apply for cultural events with considered planning.

Participation should be decoupled from financial contribution, ensuring all students can take part.

A dedicated fund supports families living in poverty or those just about managing financially.

Pastoral staff should be aware of fund use and provide discreet support, with financial oversight.

Use of the fund is linked to the anonymous parent support email.

Central procurement explores a “Fair Deal Dividend” to add value for students facing barriers.

Support catering contract management to ensure compliance with Fair Deal expectations.

Community Team support includes helping families access funding, vouchers, food, and experiences.

Central support for uniform supply and pricing.