BBC Children in Need has today announced this year’s schools fundraising campaign encouraging schools across the country to challenge themselves and fundraise for the charity, whilst launching a competition to win a school visit from Gladiator star, Steel plus another surprise Gladiator guest.

To be in with a chance of winning Primary schools across the nation simply have to order a free fundraising pack to be automatically entered into the competition. Schools can order fundraising packs at bbc.co.uk/pudsey now, with those who order before 18^th October being entered into the ballot for the Gladiators School Visit.

Primary schools fundraising this year will also be able to join a live-streamed event on BBC Children in Need Appeal Day where they can challenge themselves, get involved and interact directly with the Gladiators, to raise money which will help to make life lighter for children.

Last year schools across the UK, raised nearly £4m which helped to support 30,000 children and young people who are facing challenges in their lives. This year, schools across the UK are being asked to throw their support behind the appeal, and encourage parents, pupils and families to challenge themselves to help make life lighter for children and young people.

The need has never been greater as right now the charity is only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who apply for funding. Only with the support of the UK public can we continue to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children when they need us most. Whether it’s challenging yourself to sponsor a scooter ride to school or even baking brownies for a bake sale, a little act could go a long way in closing the gap. 

BBC Gladiator star, Steel, said: “School fundraisers ready! I am thrilled to have teamed up with BBC Children in Need this year to get schools across the UK ready to take on fundraising challenges. This is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation to get active, improve their wellbeing while raising money for Pudsey. Everything that we raise together will help BBC Children in Need be there for children and young people when they need it most.”

Commenting on the schools fundraising launch, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus said: “It’s wonderful to see children supporting children with schools across the nation coming together, and getting behind BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal. These are tough times for the children and young people we support with many facing many challenges including poverty and menta health.”

“At BBC Children in Need we want children to thrive and be the best they can be, to learn new skills and have access to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise experience but, currently, we are only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who ask us for funding. The much needed support from pupils, schools and teachers is crucial in providing projects and local charities with the funding they need to benefit children in local communities. I want to say a massive thank you to schools, pupils and teachers who continue to fundraise to help change young lives.”

There are lots of ways that nurseries, preschools and schools can take part and raise funds:

• For the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), fundraising kits will be available order for free from the BBC Children in Need website. This year we’re asking nurseries and pre-schools across the UK to join Pudsey and his newest friend, Peppa Pig, by hosting their very own fundraising party for BBC Children in Need. The BBC Children in Need website has everything nurseries need to get involved from party hats, to bunting, to Peppa and Pudsey crafts, and a special new dance they can learn – the Piggle Wiggle. Nurseries and pre-schools that sign up for a fundraising kit also have the chance to win a Peppa and Pudsey visit.

• BBC Children in Need is also announcing its brand-new partnership with Busy Bees to help raise vital funds this year and give all children the best start in life. More than 350 Busy Bees centres will be getting involved in fundraising efforts to help support other young children, causes and community projects throughout the country. 

• Chris McCandless, Busy Bees Europe CEO, said: “A partnership with BBC Children in Need makes perfect sense for us as we both share the ambition to give children the best start in life – improving opportunities and supporting mental wellbeing to lay the foundations for future success. We’ve committed to fundraise for the charity this year with the support of our colleagues, parents and children to kick off the partnership. We’re proud to get behind the charity and support the important work it’s doing for vulnerable young people across the UK.”

• This year we’re asking Primary Schools to get involved with Challenge Yourself – pupils can come to school dressed up as their favourite superhero or favourite fancy dress outfit, take part in a baking challenge, a running challenge, or even think of a special challenge themselves. Primary Schools can join the special Gladiator themed live-streamed challenge on the morning of BBC Children in Need’s Appeal Day. Primary schools that sign up for a fundraising kit can win a Gladiators visit. 

• Secondary schools across the UK are being asked to join in with Challenge Yourself. Schools, classes, forms and teachers can take part by taking on a sponsored challenge like running, dancing, class football matches, and non-uniform days. The BBC Children in Need website has everything they need know including a special student zone with selected content for students who want to get involved in fundraising. Secondary Schools that sign up for a fundraising kit will have the chance to win £1,000 amazon voucher. 

BBC Children in Need funding brings the right people and places into children’s lives when they need help or support.  And right now, across the UK, children are facing greater challenges than ever, with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression rising, high levels of poverty leading to inequality & lack of opportunity and many simply carrying a load that’s too heavy to manage alone.

Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges; homeless shelters, hospices and helplines. This year, BBC Children in Need is asking the public to make life lighter for children all across the UK. Head to bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to find out more and donate. 

Challenge Yourself to make life lighter for children and to sign up for a free supporter kit, full of fun-filled fundraising ideas, inspiration, tools, advice and educational resources, please visit: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/schools