Charity and fundraising days at school are an opportunity for children to learn about important causes and issues that affect the world around them. Many pupils look forward to these days and enjoy taking part in fundraising activities. However, research with over 8,000 pupils in England, Scotland and Wales has shown that children from poorer families often experience shame, anxiety and embarrassment on these days.

Before embarking on any form of fundraising in school, it is crucially important to recognise your school demographic and take measures to make fundraising fun and inclusive for all students and their families.

These might include:

• Help pupils engage and connect with the cause, instead of focusing on raising money. Introduce children to different types of activities, with raising money being just one option. For example, encourage pupils to write letters or postcards to their MPs, or to make posters to raise awareness within their community.
• Thank children for their time, creativity and enthusiasm, rather than encouraging competition or championing those who raise the most money. If you are set on having a competitive element, you may choose to have a competition between classes or houses (rather than between individuals).
• Give children (& their families) plenty of notice before a fundraising event. For a dress up day for example this may give them time to make their own costume using old or visit a charity shop.
• Avoid fundraisers where children are asked to buy merchandise (such as poppies, red noses, or items from bake sales).
• Provide opportunities for parents to volunteer their time (i.e. by manning a bake sale) rather than their money (i.e. by supplying the baked goods).
• Use anonymous online donations instead of collecting cash in school.

Similarly, fundraising days can be a source of anxiety or exclusion for children (& parents) with Special Education Needs and Disabilities. Don’t forget to consider the accessibility of your event – for example, think about whether: it will be wheelchair accessible, it will be particularly noisy, the event will allow parents to attend too, there will be flashing lights and the food and drink provided will cater for different dietary requirements.

You might consider:

• Sending a letter home providing as much detail as possible on the event so that parents can talk it through with their child.
• Give parents the opportunity to get in touch and provide input during the planning phases if they have any concerns.
• Provide alternative ways for children to get involved if the planned event doesn’t work for them. For example, if they are non-verbal perhaps they could sign in a song/carol performance. Or, if they are unable to run in a sponsored run they could help with a key volunteering role.
• Consult with the school to find out if there are any specific SEN needs to consider within the school.
• Creating ‘quiet areas’ where children can go. Equip it with activities such as games or colouring.