Downs School opens food bank to support staff and pupils

The Downs School in Compton has opened a food bank to support pupils and staff amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Georgina Winfield, acting head of maths and computing and head of personal development programme, said: "With the cost of living crisis we're trying to help staff and students as much as possible."

Headteacher, Chris Prosser, echoed Miss Winfield's comments: "Due to the current hardships we are always looking at ways of supporting our community.

"So, we've got a food bank in the staff room and one that students can contribute to in the dining room to help people out in these times."

The initiative has proved successful and benefited the whole school community.

Mr Prosser added: "We've already changed the box twice so far since we started in September.

"We're also creating a loan scheme for students with their PE kits and sports boots which can be really expensive."