Local MP Backs Campaign to Get Local School Children Learning About Money

Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, has called for local schools to get their pupils talking and learning about money, as part of a charity’s new campaign to help improve the financial capability of young people.

Mr Pincher has written to every primary and secondary school in Tamworth encouraging them to support the Personal Finance Education Group charities (PFEG) Get Money Smart posters and teaching materials for children aged up to seven, 11, 14 and 16  which are designed to encourage classroom discussions about things children can do to learn more about money and personal finance.  Ideas for different ages include checking your change, estimating the cost of a weekly shop, comparing mobile phone tariffs and planning and budgeting for a trip.

Mr Pincher said, “I absolutely support this campaign to encourage pupils in Tamworth to gain the vital skills and knowledge they will need to manage their personal finances throughout their lives.  I believe that financial prudence, understanding the financial decisions people face in their everyday lives is crucially important.

“Getting pupils talking about money at an early age is important which is why the Government has ensured that financial education will be taught in secondary schools as part of the National Curriculum from September 2014.  This will help to give pupils in Tamworth the best possible start in life.”

Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of PFEG said, “We are thrilled to have the support of Christopher Pincher for this free new scheme for primary and secondary schools in Tamworth.  I hope all local schools will seize the opportunity to use their Get Money Smart posters to bring money to life in the classroom.

“This is a crucial topic that every young person should learn.  Getting pupils talking about money and the financial decisions they will face in the future is a great way to start.”

The campaign has been made possible through a personal donation to PFEG from MoneySavingExpert.com’s Martin Lewis, which has enabled the charity to send free copies of the Get Money Smart posters and teaching resources to primary and secondary schools in the Tamworth area and across the country.