Empowering Future Generations: Saffron Building Society's Commitment to Financial Wellbeing through WizeUp Financial Education
Mission & Vision
WizeUp Financial Education works to equip young people with the essential financial knowledge and skills needed for adult life. While financial literacy is on the secondary school curriculum in England and Wales, the reality is that provision is inconsistent. Why is this programme needed? 57% of WizeUp’s students do not recall ever receiving any financial education at school. By the time they leave, their attitudes and habits around money are already established, but most have had little meaningful support. In partnership, WizeUp with Saffron Building Society programme works with a wide range of students in secondary mainstream education, as well as those in Special Educational Need settings and Pupil Referral Units.
The Programme
The programme itself has two separate strands; Secondary Mainstream and SEND/PRU (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities/Pupil Referral Units). Through Saffron Building Society's funding, schools are offered fully funded sessions, where teachers are able to pick and fit the areas of delivery within their timetable.
Mainstream schools are offered six hours of face-to-face workshops that are delivered across a maximum four separate visits. However, some may decide for half day or full day visits. Deliveries can be given to small class sizes, as well as large groups within an assembly setting. The topics covered in sessions may include;
- Budgeting for Life After School
- How Tax Works & The Importance of a Pension
- Saving & Investing
- Understand the world of Cryptocurrency
- How to Manage a Credit Card and Build a Positive Credit Rating
- Student Finance & Degree Apprenticeships
- Things to know about Renting and Mortgages
- The Risks of Financial Scamming & Gambling
- Employability: CV Writing, First Impressions & Interview Technique
The SEND & PRU workshops are more tailored to the student's needs, with WizeUp Head of SEND & PRU, Laura Flynn, working closely with members of staff within the respective organisations to put together a menu that will fit to the student's needs.
Impact
WizeUp Financial Education have been very proud to have been working with Saffron Building Society for many years, delivering workshops to thousands of students around Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Last academic year alone, the WizeUp with Saffron Building Society worked with 2,628 students across 3,687 student hours. 72.6% of students reported confidence in money management following their WizeUp with Saffron sessions.
Quotes
"We loved this provision and how it was delivered enabling us to our enrich our careers education programme. The ability to tailor the sessions to the different age groups worked well." Nicola Sculley, Careers Lead, Linton Village College
"WizeUp are always professional and engaging when delivering the session and interact well with students" Colchester Royal Grammar School
Laura provided a supportive and calm environment, encouraging all the children to become fully engaged in the activities, they were even putting up their hands to offer ideas. She was kind and patient , opening up about her own experiences and putting the children at ease. All pupils remained on task and within the classroom, which is often rare in our setting. The pupils have been looking forward to her next session. -Nicole Balloqui SEND teacher and Assistant SENCo
Laura from WizeUp with Saffron Building Society was really great. She remained calm, positive and engaging throughout the session. She was flexible with the learning and always ready to adapt to the needs of the students. Her story and approach to life are genuinely inspiring. I would definitely recommend her!- Patrick Loveday SEND teacher.
Is you school in our area? Would you like to be part of the Saffron and WizeUp scheme? Please contact us at community@saffronbs.co.uk
