The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

Every Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity reliant on trained volunteers and funds to provide these vital services for local communities.

• Our service strategy 2008-2011

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Adding up campaign

Parents shouldn’t have to endure sleepless nights worrying about how they will meet the cost of kitting out their children for school. Children shouldn’t have to face bullying or exclusion because their parents can’t afford the right uniform or pay for expensive residential trips. Adding Up, the Citizens Advice campaign on education costs is your chance to make a real difference to the lives of those experiencing social and financial exclusion in your community.

The campaign objectives are:

• to encourage schools to adopt the best practice initiatives on uniforms, specialist equipment and school trips as outlined in government guidance
• to lobby local and central government for the widespread availability of school uniform grants so that financial assistance is made available and effectively promoted to those in need
• to press for the guidance and good practice that exists to be made enforceable through law and effectively regulated by the appropriate body.

• Resources and guidance for schools in England

• Resources and guidance for parents

Supporting materials

Publications by the School Costs Coalition

• The cost of a free education, 2005

• The cost of a free education – 2006 update

• Adding up, 2007

Department of Children Schools and Families documents

• DCSF Admissions code: www.dfes.gov.uk/sacode/

• DCSF uniform guidance: www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/atoz/u/uniform/

The School costs coalition

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