School uniform clothing banks have seen an increase in the number of families looking for a new uniform before the schools start.
There has been a slight rise in the number of families applying for uniform grants and free school meals too.
Families are relying more heavily on the support to ensure their children are well-fed and dressed for school and with the rise of the cost of living on everyone’s minds, it is not surprising that some parents are searching for help.
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A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said, “The number of applications for Free School Meals and Clothing Grants rose in 2020-21, during the pandemic, but there was a reduction last year.
“Based on current information there appears to be a slight increase in applications for this coming school year 2022-23.”
Currently, free school meals are universally available for those in primary one to primary five but leaves those with their children in the later stages in the education system scraping for some extra money to splash in the already challenging current situation.
However, some parents who do not fit into the eligibility criteria of uniform grants and free school meals are often left feeling stuck and isolated with nowhere to turn to for help.
Lesley Compston, childcare manager at Klas Care in Linwood, said: “We hand out new or nearly new uniforms like blazers and shoes to people for free. It is done purely because people were asking us if we knew anybody who did it.
“People are feeling the effects of the price increase on everything. We are dressing the working-poor. So these are the people who do not qualify for any help towards uniforms.
“These are people who are out working, but in quite low paid jobs and are over the threshold of any benefits. We are helping them by sourcing new and nearly new uniforms and giving it to them.”
The clothing grant also gives assistance to those who need some financial assistance paying for their children’s school clothes and shoes.
The grant pays out £120 to primary school children and £150 to those that are in high school.
As children and teachers are preparing to start their time back up at schools, there is still time for families in Renfrewshire to apply for their clothing grants and free school meals.
Information on the eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Council’s website here https://bit.ly/3AcvbjU
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