South Tyneside Council looks to reduce child poverty with two new recruits
Two new School Poverty Policy Officers are working to reduce child poverty in South Tyneside.
In order to help ‘reduce the cost of the school day’, South Tyneside Council has appointed two new School Poverty Policy Officers as families in the borough face increasing financial pressure.
Laura Turner and Lisa Murphy are working directly with schools, families and partners across South Tyneside to help remove financial barriers to education.
Both have previous experience of teaching and working in schools, with the pair helping address issues such as the cost of trips and activities to uniforms and everyday essentials.
Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities at South Tyneside Council, has stated that the appointment of Lisa and Laura is part of the local authority’s commitment to supporting schools and families.
He said: “We know that the cost of the school day can place real pressure on families, and that can have a knock‑on impact on children’s confidence, wellbeing and opportunities.
“By appointing dedicated School Poverty Policy Officers, we’re strengthening our support for schools and families and making sure this work continues to be embedded across the Borough.
“This is about removing barriers, supporting inclusion and making sure every child can take part fully in school life.”
The two new School Poverty Policy Officer roles forms a key part of South Tyneside Council’s wider Child Poverty Strategy.
The impact of the targeted approach is already being felt across local schools, with many having reviewed their policies around events and activities by implementing measures such as simplifying uniform requirements.
There has also been an effort to ensure parents are ware of, and can access, available financial support, helping to remove barriers for those most in need.
An example of the strategy in action is Toner Avenue Primary School’s approach to World Book Day 2026.
The Hebburn school made the day possible after South Tyneside Council securing funding from the F&I Group, which provided the t-shirts and pens used by the pupils.
South Tyneside’s School Poverty Policy Officer posts are initially one-year, fixed-term roles funded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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