Students from Eresby Special School learn money management skills with Nationwide

Students aged 14-19 from Eresby Special School in Spilsby, part of the David Ross Education Trust (DRET), visited a Nationwide branch in Skegness recently to learn practical money management skills in-person.

The group of 10 students learned about ATMs, tills, note counters, coin bins and weigh machines and were given a tour of staff rooms and interview rooms.

As part of DRET’s Future Financials programme and Nationwide’s own Money Lessons, pupils benefited from an introduction to personal finance, delivered in an accessible way. Pupils learnt essential information about current accounts, savings and interest rates and how to budget.

There was a strong focus on online safety and how to keep money safe, including raising awareness about scams and the danger of becoming a “money mule”.

DRET’s Future Financials programme was created by Katie Baker, a senior administrator at DRET. Pupils from across the David Ross Education Trust will also take part in future.

Eresby students commented that “the staff were so friendly” at Nationwide, and one student was keen to get an account set up.

Katie Baker, Senior Administrator at David Ross Education Trust, said:

 “Twenty years ago, when I worked in the financial sector, I had a wish to bring financial education to young people to help them make informed decisions in their futures.  Since working for DRET, I have had the wonderful opportunity to bring this to fruition by creating our Future Financials Programme and working to bring in Nationwide Building Society’s Money Lessons programme.

 “Huge thanks to Kirsty Mowbray at the Nationwide Skegness Branch for helping us to equip Eresby students with life skills they need for adulthood. ” 

Claire Hutchinson, Principal at Eresby Special School said:

“Students in Oak Class at Eresby Special School thoroughly enjoyed a workshop delivered by the team at Nationwide Building Society.  One learner told us "I learnt how you can save money, protect your password and not be scammed." The students then enjoyed a tour of the branch in Skegness! These opportunities are so valuable in developing our students’ employability skills, including their financial literacy.”