Primary school children across Lancaster are set to improve their understanding of money, saving and budgeting thanks to an initiative from Northern Community Bank.

As part of a £20,000 community donation, Northern Community Bank is providing participating primary schools with a free ‘Money Suitcase’ which includes a specially written, age-appropriate book by Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, a cuddly toy squirrel named Sammy (to remind children to ‘squirrel’ money away), a child-friendly explanation sheet, a learning diary and a handful of chocolate coins.

Each week a different child takes home the suitcase to learn about money with a parent or guardian.

The Money Matters initiative is designed to run alongside the school’s weekly reading programme and ties in with the PSHE curriculum.

Cawthorne Endowed Primary School children show their excitement at receiving the donation from Northern Community Bank.

placeholder image — Cawthorne Endowed Primary School children show their excitement at receiving the donation from Northern Community Bank.

Whilst participating in the Credit Union Development Education Programme in Scotland, Claire Dodd, account support officer at Northern Community Bank, was tasked with creating a community-focused initiative.

Drawing on her experience as a mother of three, she chose to centre her idea on financial education – something she believes is essential for children and adults alike.

“I remember the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee when my son came home with a commemorative book from school,” Claire said. “We sat down and read it together, learning and bonding at the same time. That experience stayed with me.

"I wanted to recreate that moment of shared learning – but with a focus on money and life skills.”

After researching financial literacy among children, Claire became even more determined to make a difference in the community.

Northern Community Bank’s vision for a take-home suitcase that makes learning with a guardian about finance, fun and interactive became the foundation of the project, which Northern Community Bank is now rolling out across South Craven, Lancashire and Cumbria.

Primary schools taking part in the project have warmly welcomed the idea.

Patrick Corbett, head teacher at Cawthorne Endowed Primary in Abbeystead, said: “Our school is absolutely thrilled to have received a bright red “budget style” case bursting with chocolate coins and a copy of Why Money Matters by Deborah Meaden.

The moment this colourful case arrived, our pupils were buzzing with excitement. It’s a brilliant, handson way to introduce the idea of money, and it has already sparked curiosity, conversations and plenty of smiles.

"Learning about why money matters is such an important life skill, and this fun, thoughtful donation will enable the topic to come alive in our classroom.

“We are truly grateful to Northern Community Bank for supporting our children and bringing such joy and enthusiasm to their learning. Their kindness has made a real difference to our school community.”

Northern Community Bank, a not-for-profit organisation, said the initiative aims to support families, schools, and communities by improving financial knowledge from an early age.

For further details go to www.northerncommunitybank.co.uk