‘Money lessons’ plan for local schools

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle constituency, is encouraging local schools to consider offering money lessons this summer term, to give their pupils a head-start in financial education before it becomes a compulsory part of the new National Curriculum in September. The move comes in advance of this year's My Money Week (9 to 15 June), run by national financial education charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group).

Every primary and secondary school in the area is being given the chance to take part in My Money Week, which aims to help young people learn more about money and personal finance, for free. This year My Money Week will be themed around current affairs, challenging young people to improve their financial skills, knowledge and confidence through topical lessons and activities on personal finance. As the UK's leading financial education charity, pfeg is offering teachers in Cheadle free online resources, advice and training to help plan their activities.

Mark Hunter MP, who as a long term supporter of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Financial Education for Young People has championed the cause in Westminster, said:

"Financial education will become a compulsory part of the National Curriculum for the first time this September after years of campaigning. I strongly support initiatives such as My Money Week that raise awareness of the importance of education around the subject of money, ensuring that young people have a firm understanding of budgeting, borrowing and other financial choices open to them as they grow older."

Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group), said:

"Mark Hunter MP is absolutely right to call for all local schools to take part in My Money Week, which is a terrific opportunity to help pupils learn more about money in a fun and engaging way. We are delighted to have his support for what we hope will be Cheadle's best My Money Week yet."

Since the first My Money Week in 2009, millions of young people have been helped to understand more about money and personal finance through focused activities in schools. In 2013 My Money Week reached approximately 1.3 million young people in more than 4,500 schools and other settings across the UK.