Doing well at school is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. But many families struggle to afford school costs which negatively impacts on children’s experience of school.

Children living in poverty may have to go to school in worn or incorrect uniform, miss out on activities or be embarrassed or bullied by peers, which means they are less likely to engage in school and grow up to fulfil their potential.

A typical family with 2 children (one in primary and one in secondary) living below the poverty line needs to spend about 40% of their entire monthly household income on back to school costs. Given budgets are already tight, this means children have to go without, families cut back on other essentials or get into debt.

SmartStart gives struggling families non-branded school uniforms, coats, shoes, sports kit and stationery throughout the school year.

All children want to fit in and achieve at school. Let's break the cycle of poverty for children in Manchester and Salford.