Free Financial Education Workshops for Manchester’s Primary Schools

Manchester Credit Union is on a mission to boost money skills for the next generation – and is inviting primary schools across Greater Manchester to get involved.

This year, the Credit Union aims to reach 400 children via its free Bee Smart with Money schools’ roadshow, an interactive drama programme designed to help primary school children learn the importance of saving, spending wisely, and avoiding poor money choices.

Delivered in partnership with creative education provider Altru, the fun, drama-based workshops use a specially adapted and brilliantly funny fairytale – Fairytale Money Troubles – to bring money matters to life. With the help of much-loved characters like Rapunzel and the Three Little Pigs, pupils learn by doing, building confidence and money skills that will support them well into the future.

So far, the programme has visited several primary schools across Greater Manchester, including Higher Openshaw Primary School (Openshaw) Benchill Primary School (Wythenshawe) and Acacias Primary (Burnage) and and reached hundreds of local children, with teachers praising the sessions for their impact on pupils’ understanding, confidence, and enthusiasm for money matters.

Mandy Wilcock, chief executive of Manchester Credit Union, said: “We’ve been serving Greater Manchester’s savers and borrowers for over 30 years and know how important it is for people to develop good money habits. These workshops allow us to give something back to the communities we serve and encourage children to start forming positive relationships with money as early as possible.”

The roadshows take place at schools over the course of a full day. At the end of the roadshow, children perform the play to the school and parents and receive certificates to thank them for their hard work.

Mandy added: “Now the new academic year is underway, we’re looking for primary schools who’d like us to visit. It’s free of charge and promises the kids a great day of fun and learning.”

Spaces are limited, and schools are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Manchester Credit Union is a not-for-profit organisation that exists solely for the benefit of its members in Manchester, Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and High Peak. Any profit generated is returned as a dividend on savings or used to improve member services.