All academies will align with Trust uniform guidelines in line with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, 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 reduce uniform costs and deliver better value for families.

Our Community Team will continue to support families with uniform costs through voucher schemes.

All of our academies offer pre-loved or uniform swap initiatives, communicated positively (e.g. sustainability/ecological focus) to avoid stigma.

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

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

We do not use automated uniform sanctions to avoid disadvantaging pupils experiencing poverty. We signpost and support where this may be the case.

We do all we can to structure lunch times as welcoming, restaurant-style dining experiences where students choose to eat and feel included.

Every school has a plan in place so that no child is turned away from accessing food at school. We identify students that do not eat during the day, and put measures in place to understand this and support them.

We regularly support our families to apply for free school meals entitlements. Our students have easy, accessible ways to check lunch account balances. Any student removed from mainstream circulation (e.g. alternative provision) will still have access to hot, healthy food.

Our students always have access to free water at break and lunch times, in a way which is accessible and appealing so they do not have to spend money on expensive bottled drinks.

All our students can access a breakfast club. As a minimum, it is free for all primary pupils and students eligible for Free School Meals in our secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges.

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 which are accessible to all and included within free school meal allowance so all students have the same choice.

Only the value of food taken is charged to Free School Meal allowances.

Unspent Free School Meal 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.

Our students have access to sanitary products without having to ask, and this is extended so students can take home supplies if needed.

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

Equipment required for lessons is always provided by the academy.

Our staff do not ask questions or plan activities that draw attention to students’ financial status.

Curriculum resources do not presume students’ lived experiences. We ensure there are no hidden or compulsory costs for core or options subjects, these are covered by the academy.

We discourage expensive leavers’ gifts and high-cost celebration events.

Our end-of-year events are inclusive and we support students who may face financial barriers.

Prom clothing exchange or support is offered in line with our Fair Deal principles.

We identify absences linked to financial or family challenges, and provide support.

We avoid insensitive questions that expose differences in students’ circumstances.

We avoid automatic attendance sanctions when absences are linked to poverty-related issues, and provide support.

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

We avoid non-uniform days as they may highlight advantage/disadvantage and increase anxiety; exceptions may apply for cultural events with considered planning.

We ensure participation in charity events is decoupled from financial contribution, ensuring all students can take part.

All of our academies set aside funds to help families that may be experiencing poverty or those that need extra support.

Our pastoral colleagues can make use of this fund to provide discreet support and this is linked to the anonymous parent support email.

Our central team supports academies to deliver the Fair Deal for Every Child through effective contract management, including a Fair Deal Dividend in new contracts and support with catering agreements.

Our community team also helps families access funding, food, vouchers, and enrichment opportunities, while our collective buying power helps reduce costs for families.