Affordable Schools Strategy 
Affordable Schools
The principles of ‘affordable schooling’ are as follows and at Westbury CE Junior School we adhere to these principles in our strive for inclusivity:
- Cost of living can affect us all. We may all experience life changing events at some point in our lives
- Schools are at the centre of communities- they can make a difference
- Every day, in every interaction, however small, there may be an opportunity to bring about positive changes for children
WJS Affordability Team
We have been awarded the Bronze Award for Affordable Schools and what we have implemented so far! The feedback from the panel was very complimentary recognising the incredible team effort needed to achieve this. This was the feedback from the application sent in October 2025:
Thank you so much for all your continued investment in the Affordable Schools Strategy and the relentless work and commitment of a dedicated team. Wiltshire Council would like to thank everyone at Westbury Junior School for the continued contribution you have made to the development of the programme and your ongoing willingness to collaborate and share practice which supports all pupils participate, learn and thrive.
Our Journey So Far
We have been involved since 2024:
- We have surveyed parents, staff and students about the costs of a typical school day
- All teaching staff have received training to understand the strategy and outcomes
- A dedicated group of staff are working across the four key areas of the strategy to evaluate and improve policies and practices
Putting Children and Families First
The programme is fully endorsed by disadvantaged learners’ expert Marc Rowland as “a brilliant programme that helps pupils and practitioners to thrive together”, the Affordable Schools Strategy is our commitment to ensuring that every child can thrive — no matter their background or circumstances.
This strategy is a hearts and minds approach to school improvement, placing our most vulnerable pupils at the centre of decision-making, and ensuring that strong leadership and positive action make a real difference in our school community.
What is it?
The Affordable Schools Strategy is a fully resourced, universal, non-stigmatising and proactive approach which empowers us to:
- Develop a widely shared understanding of the causes, barriers and challenges faced by pupils and families living in poverty
- Make universal, positive changes to policies and practices that will improve the experience of all, especially the most vulnerable
The Principles Behind the Strategy
This strategy is built on clear principles to challenge and overcome the effects of disadvantage:
- Reducing stigma – positive changes are made to every aspect of school life through the lens of affordability
- Universal provision – we do not single out or assume which families are experiencing hardship
- Creative and solution-focused – ensuring access for all without limiting the quality of education
- Relationships matter – strong leadership, trust and positive action underpin our approach
The Thinking Behind It
The strategy draws on robust evidence and national expertise from:
- The Children’s Society
- Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
- Children North East (Poverty Proofing)
- The Education Endowment Foundation
The Strategy Itself
The strategy is broken down into four key areas:
- Resourcing the School Day
- Enrichment and Opportunities
- Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
- Securing Positive Partnerships
You can find out more about what we are doing in each area below.
Resourcing the School Day
- Uniform policy revised to keep branded items to a minimum
- Pre-loved uniform shop via our PTA
- All equipment provided, no need for pencil cases
- School calendar linked with the Infant School, shared in advance
Enrichment and Opportunities
- Trips are booked far in advance, giving parents month pay options for trips
- Fairness of opportunity monitored through trip planning and mapping
- Long notice periods given for residential trip
- More local and free enrichment opportunities promoted
- Students consulted on experiences they value most
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
- FSM students able to pre-order lunch for trips and visits
- Working towards Wiltshire Healthy School accreditation
- Free sanitary products available from the pastoral office
Securing Positive Partnerships
- Dedicated pastoral support for disadvantaged students supports families and works with agencies
- Financial assistance information provided confidentially to families
- Parents can contact us directly, with an open-door policy
- Food bank vouchers and referrals available in consultation with families
Parents’ Cost of Living Fact Sheet
We understand the pressures of the rising cost of living.
Cost of living information and support
Our Partners and Accreditations
As part of our journey, we are proud to be working with national organisations and are eligible to apply for the Affordable Schools Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold) to showcase our commitment and success.
What Parents Can Expect
Through our involvement in the Affordable Schools Strategy, parents and families will notice:
- Positive changes in school culture that support all children
- A greater understanding of the barriers faced by families living in poverty
- Policies and practices that are fair, inclusive and designed to improve daily school experiences
- A stronger focus on wellbeing, engagement and learning for every child
Outcomes for Our School
By engaging with the Affordable Schools Strategy, staff and leaders have:
- Gained a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by children and families in poverty
- Better equipped to plan and deliver changes that make a real difference
- Improved the school experience for all children, with the greatest impact on the most vulnerable
Our Affordable Schools Strategy means we are working every day to ensure no child is left behind, and every family feels supported.