Financial education for Wirral Primary Schools

Helping children build money confidence from an early age.

What is the Wirral Credit Union Schools Project?

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop positive, practical money skills from a young age.

Money is part of everyday life, and the earlier children begin to understand how it works, the more confident and prepared they can become as they grow.

We want to give children skills that will last a lifetime, which is why we’ve created a financial education programme for primary schools across the Wirral. Our aim is to work in partnership with local schools to support children and families with clear, age-appropriate learning about money, saving, borrowing and making safe financial choices

Why financial education matters

The Wirral has communities where families are facing real financial pressures. For many children, early financial education can help build confidence and awareness before they reach adulthood.

By introducing money topics in a friendly and engaging way, children can begin to understand important life skills, such as:

  • Where money comes from
  • How to keep money safe
  • The difference between needs and wants
  • Saving and spending wisely
  • Lending and borrowing
  • Making safe financial choices 

Our programme is designed to make these topics enjoyable and meaningful for primary-aged children.

How the programme works

We’ll deliver a series of financial education workshops for pupils in Years 2, 4 and 6.
The sessions use teacher-designed resources and are tailored to suit each age group.

By taking part in key stages during their primary school journey, children can revisit and build on their learning as they grow.

  • Year 2: Looking after my money

    Children are introduced to the basics of money in a simple and engaging way.

    Topics include:

    • Where does money come from?
    • How can we keep our money safe?

  • Year 4: Lending and borrowing 

    Children begin to explore what lending and borrowing means, including how to make safe choices.

    Topics include:

    • What does it mean to borrow?
    • What does it mean to lend?
    • How can we stay safe when borrowing money?

  • Year 6: Saving, borrowing and spending wisely 

    Older pupils look at financial decision-making in more detail, helping them prepare for the next stage of school and life.

    Topics include:

    • Saving and borrowing
    • Budgeting
    • Spending wisely
    • Making thoughtful money choices

The Fiver Challenge

Schools can also choose to take part in the Year 6 Fiver Challenge.

Working in small groups, pupils are each given £5 from Wirral Credit Union to start their own mini business. Together, they create a product or service, decide what they need, promote it and see if they can make a profit.

It’s a fun, hands-on way to bring money skills to life while helping children develop teamwork, confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills.

During our pilot project, pupils came up with all kinds of ideas, from drinks stalls and cookie dough sales to penalty shootouts and playground games. It showed children that learning about money can be creative and practical.

Working with schools and families

Parents and carers play an important role in how children learn about money, which is why we encourage opportunities for families to get involved.

During our pilot project in Woodlands Primary School in Birkenhead, pupils and parents took part in sessions together as part of My Money Week. The workshops explored everyday money skills and how to stay safe from the risks of illegal lending.

The response from children, parents and staff was incredibly positive, with children asking thoughtful questions and taking part enthusiastically throughout.

Parents told us

“I think it’s brilliant that you are teaching kids at an early age about the importance of money. A skill that will be one of the most needed when they leave school.” 

“I found the session really interesting and feel it is important for children to understand money for the future.” 

“The session was interesting, and the children are now aware of safe places and have a better understanding of the concept of borrowing. Important lessons given.” 

Our ambition

We launched the Schools Project in 2024 with a pilot at Woodlands Primary School.

Following its success, our ambition is to work with all 93 primary schools across the Wirral over the next 10 years, helping thousands of children develop the money skills and confidence they’ll use throughout their lives.

Interested in taking part?

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your curriculum around financial education or introduce practical money skills, we’d be happy to talk through how the programme could work for your school.

We can arrange a meeting at a time that suits you and plan a programme that works for your pupils and wider school community.

Get in touch to find out more about our financial education programme for primary schools.

Speak to our team