Parents urged to apply for free school essentials grant before closing date

Parents are being urged to check their eligibility and apply for this year’s free School Essentials grant before applications close next month.

Children of families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits, those seeking asylum and children in care can claim £125 per year to help with school costs.

Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7.

The grant can help with costs like school uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit and equipment.

It could also mean extra funding for your school.

Apply

There’s still time to check eligibility and apply for this year’s funding before applications close on 31 May.

Parents can apply every year for each of child and pupils from all kinds of education settings are eligible as long as they are aged 5-16.

This applies to pupils in all schools and settings, including special schools and pupil referral units.

Headteacher of Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran, Steffan Jones said: “You want every child to be treated the same, and you want every child to have the same experiences.

“These grants do help, so that all children can get involved and enjoy their time at school, not just those who can afford it.”

The grant can be used to pay for:

• • School uniform, including coats and shoes.
  • School activities, like learning a musical instrument, sports kit and equipment for after school activities.
  • Classroom essentials, like pens, pencils and bags.

Even if a child already receives a Free School Meal, parents must still check eligibility to access the School Essentials Grant and extra funding for schools.

To find out more about the Schools Essentials Grant and to check eligibility, visit Get help with school costs | GOV.WALES.