Money, made simple — for ages 5 to 16
The money things children should pick up at school, one small idea at a time. Pick an age, read a little, and tap and play with each idea. No accounts, no jargon, nothing scary.
Money basics
Ages 5–7 · Reception & KS1What money is, where it comes from, and keeping it safe.
What is money?
Coins and notes we swap for things.
Money is what we use to buy things — sweets, toys, food, a bus ride. In the UK it comes as coins (1p up to £2) and notes (£5, £10, £20, £50). The more something costs, the more money you need to give for it.
Money lets us swap for the things we need and want.
Where does money come from?
Mostly from working — not a magic machine!
Grown-ups get money by working at a job. Some money comes as a gift, like birthday money from family. Money doesn't appear by itself — someone always did something to earn it.
Money is earned. It runs out if you don't get more.
Save it or spend it?
You can use money now, or keep it for later.
When you get money you have a choice. Spend it now on something small, or save it — keep it safe — until you have enough for something bigger you really want.
£20 to go
Saving a little now means a bigger treat later.
Needs and wants
Some things we must have. Some are just nice.
A need is something we must have to be okay — food, water, a warm home, clothes. A want is something nice to have but we'd be fine without — a toy, sweets, a game. Needs come first.
Buy your needs first, then your wants if there's money left.
Keeping money safe
A piggy bank at home, a real bank for more.
Small amounts can live in a piggy bank or money box. When you have more, grown-ups keep it in a bank — a very safe place that looks after money for you until you need it.
Banks keep money safe so it can't get lost or taken.
Grown-ups: this is general money education, not financial advice. Looking for the adult course? Head to the dashboard.