Extra support to buy school uniforms and equipment

Welsh Government has announced that it will be increasing the value of the Pupil Development Grant (PDG) Access Grant by £100 per eligible learner for one year only.

The PDG Access Grant provides financial assistance to families on low incomes for the purchase of items such as school uniform and sports kit.

Following the announcement by Welsh Government, the rate of grant for the 2022/23 school year will be £225 per learner, with the exception of those pupils entering Year 7 who will be entitled to £300.

Funding will be available to pupils who are eligible for free school meals and is on offer to all school year groups from reception through to Year 11 and including pupils in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units. The funding is also available to all looked-after children of compulsory school age.

Families are entitled to claim once per child, per school year.

With families facing significant cost-of-living increases, we know that household budgets will be under increasing pressure, meaning many families will be worried about how they can afford the things their children need for school.

We are pleased that the Welsh Government has increased the PDG Access scheme for one year, which I am sure will benefit a number of families here in Bridgend County Borough.

I would encourage anyone who is eligible to apply for the grant when applications for the 2022/23 scheme open in July 2022.

Lindsay Harvey, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Corporate Director for Education and Family Support

The PDG Access grant provides financial assistance to families on low incomes for 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 (for example, school bags and stationery).
• Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology.
• Equipment for out-of-school hours trips such as outdoor learning (for example, waterproof clothing).
• IT equipment - laptops and tablets only. You will need to confirm that your child’s school cannot loan them a laptop/table for use at home.

For more information, visit the Welsh Government’s website.