Education Support Grant

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The Welsh Government has introduced a grant to assist families on low incomes with the purchase of:

• School uniform including coats and shoes;

• School sports kit including footwear;

• Uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to, scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts or dance;

• Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery;

• Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology; and

• Equipment for out of school hour trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs;

• Laptops, IT equipment to support school work

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As of September 2022, pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals and attend maintained schools are also entitled to a clothing grant if they are entering Reception or any other Year Group (excluding Year 12 and Year 13).

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The funding is also available to the following pupils who are eligiblefor Free School Meals:

• Pupils with no recourse to public funds entering the above school years

• Pupils in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units who are entering the above school years

• All ‘looked after children’ of compulsory school age. The Local Authority in which the ‘looked after child’ attends school is responsible for issuing the grant.

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Since 2023/24, funding of £125 has been available for each eligible learner.

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Payments will be issued based on automated eligibility checks and these checks will be carried out on a regular basis. The payment will normally be made in to your bank account, we may need to contact you to obtain this information.

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If you become eligible during the financial year or have any further queries, please contact the Benefits Team on 01495 742037 or 742377.

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How do I apply for the School Essentials Grant?

Please complete the online free school meals/uniform grant application form HERE