The aim of this paper is to analyse the access, that is, the obstacles to the access of children at risk of poverty and social exclusion to education. Children from households of lower socioeconomic status do not participate in accompanying educational content to the same extent as their peers due to their material status. The paper analyzes the data of 27 member states of the European Union, with special emphasis on Croatia, on access to services related to education, which include school supplies and activities and school meals. In the member states of the European Union, compulsory education is free for all children in terms of school fees, but not in terms of a number of other costs that are crucial to finance in order for all children to adequately participate in the education process. Data show that in most EU member states there are mechanisms that ensure that all children or at least those from families of lower socioeconomic status have access to all educational services and activities, but despite this, there remain many financial and non-financial obstacles that stand in the way. Croatia does not attach sufficient importance to investments in education-oriented measures and services, and improvements are needed in this direction. The purpose of investing in education is the development of children's personality as well as the impact on their future lives, since better education brings them a better socioeconomic status in adulthood.