Why It Matters

Almost 1 in every 3 UK primary school children lives in poverty

When a child arrives at school cold and inadequately dressed, they are less settled, less confident, and less ready to engage in learning. Teachers see this every winter morning. Schools across the UK are already responding — informally, at their own cost. Coats4Kids formalises one part of that response in a way that is dignified, efficient, and built for scale.

Help us on our mission to a MILLION

We have delivered over 11,500 coats to date — and with national partnerships growing, our ambition is firmly in sight.

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What Schools Tell Us

NFER research (2023/24) shows this is not a niche issue — it is a national one

0%
of primary schools provide clothing support
0%
of teachers spend own money on pupils
0 In 3
primary school aged children in poverty (JRF)
0 schools
in our ever growing feedback database

“Having a simple and discreet way to ensure a child has a warm coat removes what can be quite a visible barrier. When children arrive warm and appropriately dressed, they tend to appear more comfortable and confident — and they settle into the classroom more easily.”

Family Worker and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Edenbridge Primary School

“As an SEMH specialist school, we see how practical barriers such as not having suitable clothing can have a noticeable impact on how a young person arrives at school and how ready they are to engage with the day.”

Principal, New Horizons School

“We noticed an increased confidence in the children who received a new, warm winter coat. They arrived to school confident, comfortable and ready for learning.”

Pupil Services Officer, Somers Heath Primary School

Every child deserves the warmth and comfort of a winter coat

Millions of Children in Need Struggle without Basic Necessities

4.2 million primary aged children have been identified as being in need – over 1 million of which are in dire need (Data from Joseph Rowntree Report 2024). These children have never owned anything brand new.

Warming Hearts, Not Just Bodies: The Social Impact of Coats4Kids

At Coats4Kids, we recognise a harsh reality: some children face more than just the biting cold of winter. For them, the lack of a brand-new winter coat can lead to a different kind of chill – one of ridicule, rejection, and social isolation. The impact of this experience on an ostracised child can be devastating, encompassing emotions of embarrassment, sadness, and loneliness. These emotions don’t just stop at the playground; they reach into the classroom, affecting their ability to learn and thrive.

Our Challenge

Our challenge goes beyond providing physical warmth; it extends to preserving the dignity and emotional well-being of these vulnerable children. We aim to shield them from the heartache of being teased or excluded for wearing second-hand, hand-me-down coats or even no coat at all.

Join Us Today

Join us today, and together, we’ll be the beacon of warmth and kindness in the lives of these young children. Your generosity can make a world of difference. Together, we are Coats4Kids.