Riverside banks on pupils

Liverpudlian infants benefit from lessons in money management.

Housing association Riverside has teamed up with Liverpool Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) to deliver a financial education package to pupils at the Anfield Infants School.

Riverside supplied the school with piggy banks, which are being kept in a special pig pen. The children are strongly encouraged by their teachers and parents to bring in pennies, small silver and any spare change they can find to fill them. Every penny will go towards new educational books for the school.

Sophie Brown, Riverside’s North Liverpool community engagement officer, said: “It is important that young people learn about money at an early age so when they leave school and start earning, they are equipped with the confidence and knowledge they need to make informed and independent decisions and be in control of their money.”

The CAB has visited the school and prepared the children for their future by doing savings sessions with them. This has benefited the children as they are now more aware of how essential saving is and it will help them with financial difficulties in years to come.

Anne May, advice & training supervisor at Liverpool CAB, said: “Working with young people of this age was a new and enjoyable experience. Talking with the children showed how aware of savings they are at this early age.”

Teacher Wendy Beaumont commented: "We hope the children’s savings will be match funded by a local bank."