Grants to help families in Wales with the cost of school uniform and school trips have been raised by £100 for this year only. The Welsh Government said it knew families were worried about the cost of living.
Sending a child to school can be an expensive time for families and even more so with the current cost of living and squeeze on budgets. From shoes to uniform and sports kit, to food, books and school trips, the shopping list can seem endless.
Some hard-pressed families in Wales can't afford to send their children to school every day, a Senedd committee heard earlier this summer. Some cut back on food and heating to cover the cost of school uniform and transport.
Read more: Child poverty increasing in key worker households, warns TUC
Children and teenagers eligible for free school meals in Wales can apply for a grant towards school uniform, school trips, and kit. The grant this year is for £225 per learner, or £300 for those going into year seven, to recognise the increased costs with starting secondary school. Both grants have been raised by £100 for this school year, a Welsh Government spokesperson said. All looked after children qualify for the grants, whether they receive free school meals or not.
The 2022 to 2023 scheme is now open for all school years from reception to year 11. Parents and guardians can contact their local council to check their eligibility and apply.
Families are only entitled to claim once per child, per school year. The 2022 to 2023 scheme will close on June 30, 2023. To apply for this grant people should contact your local authority with more information here.
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