Sebert Wood Community Primary School outing to Quality Eats in Bury St Edmunds supports children’s money and independence skills

Schoolchildren aged five and six were ‘delighted’ with the opportunity to visit a café and use coins to buy an item from a snack menu created just for them.

The Year 1 classes from Sebert Wood Community Primary School, on Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, visited nearby Quality Eats last week as part of their learning about money.

The idea initially came from Year 1 teacher Nic Bowers who wanted the children to experience paying with real coins – not just pretending using plastic coins at school or watching parents simply ‘tap’ and pay.

The school then thought it would be a ‘lovely’ idea to support a local café at the same time.

Year 1 teacher Kerry Howell said: “The children were delighted with this opportunity and it made them feel very independent as well as supporting their learning.

“All parents were on board and supported this; one parent even gave their child £2 in 5 pences so they would really have to work hard for their treat!

“I think it gave children more confidence to count out money once back in the classroom too.”

Danie Curd, owner of Quality Eats, in Lawson Place, said she felt ‘so honoured’ to be asked to help, and made customised menus with prices on for the children. They could choose between a cookie, cupcake, sausage roll and a drink.

Danie added: “Hopefully it will inspire other schools and local places to them to encourage days like this as it’s such a wholesome feeling to see how excited the children are and learning at the same time!”