Metro Bank has launched a free financial education programme for primary schools following a successful pilot.~

Metro Money Zone is now open to Year 4 and 5 classes in primary schools all over Greater London, following the trial which saw staff deliver lessons in 27 schools,

Metro Money Zone provides children with three ‘fun’, interactive school lessons on banking, saving and creating a budget, delivered in class by specially trained bank staff.

Children aged between 8 and 10 receive a fourth session in the bank itself, where they get the opportunity to see behind the scenes including money counting, cashiering, and even the inside of the vault.

Metro Money Zone is designed to compliment the primary curriculum for both mathematics and PSHE (personal, social and health education), to explore real-life situations about how to use, spend and save money. All sessions are designed to be fun, with games and challenges alongside more serious class discussions, and exercises to help children think about how money works.

At the end of the programme the children take their activity books home to continue their learning and share their new knowledge with their family. Schools can continue the benefit themselves through cross-curriculum extension into other topics such as History and English.

Teachers at the Raglan School, Bromley commented that they “were very impressed by the whole experience, from the initial visits and preparation, to the three well planned lessons and finally the visit to the Bromley store. We would like to praise the staff for their energy and enthusiasm and the interest they showed in all of the children’s questions.”

Craig Donaldson, chief executive of Metro Bank, said: “We’re so pleased to launch the Metro Money Zone programme. This is a sign of Metro Bank’s commitment to giving back and being involved in our local community.

“We’re proud that Metro Money Zone helps teach children how to use, spend and save money, practical skills that they will use for life.”