Cheshire schools take to the skies with Equilibrium Asset Management to promote financial literacy

Primary school pupils in Cheshire are being challenged to think about numeracy in a different way, thanks to Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure – a book aimed at boosting financial literacy.

Primary school pupils in Cheshire are being challenged to think about numeracy in a different way, thanks to Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure – a book aimed at boosting financial literacy.

Commissioned by wealth management company Equilibrium Asset Management who worked alongside former headteacher David Evans, the book focuses on central character Libby, who flies from Toronto to Manchester to visit her grandparents, with the family having a financial budget for her stay.

Brightly illustrated, Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure sets its readers several challenges in the form of real life scenarios, such as setting budgets and crossing time zones. The use of a fictional story allows children to learn new financial skills and apply them without sharing their own financial position.

Teachers from Springfield Primary School, Hale Preparatory School and Malpas Alport Endowed Primary School were introduced to the book at Equilibrium’s offices in Wilmslow this month.

David, who gave evidence to a Parliamentary Inquiry into the importance of teaching financial skills to young people in 2017, was handpicked by Wilmslow and Chester-based Equilibrium to carry out the project.

He said: ‘Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure is fun, relatable and includes brilliantly loveable characters, so we are delighted to continue its roll-out.

‘With research showing that just under half of all adults’ numeracy skills are equal or less than that expected of an 11-year-old, it’s important that people are engaged from an early age. Primary education is vital to financial literacy.’

Debbie Jukes, Partner at Equilibrium, which currently manages over £750 million of assets for over 1,000 families, said: ‘We’d been thinking of ways in which we could help educate children in terms of numeracy and financial skills, and David’s background complements our experience very well.

‘Understanding how money works from an early age is very important. The knowledge and skills gained will serve them well as they progress through life. We’ve no doubt it plays a big part in empowerment too – financial literacy will give them a better understanding of how to manage their finances and avoid unnecessary risks and excessive debt.’

Hale Preparatory School’s Kirsty Leyland added: ‘Libby’s Big Aeroplane is fantastic – its outcomes are based on the national curriculum, so it not only helps children in a fun way, it is also good to help plan lessons.’

Libby’s Big Aeroplane Adventure is being used in 10 schools across the North West of England and North Wales. To find out more, please click here.