School uniform and equipment support offered ahead of new term

Parents and carers are being reminded that help is available to buy school uniforms and other equipment for their children ahead of the new term.

The Welsh Government’s Pupil Development Access Grant has already seen more than £500,000 of financial support accessed by parents and carers of primary school children in Bridgend County Borough alone. Further significant support has also been claimed by parents and carers of secondary school children.

Funding is 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 rate of grant for the 2022/23 school year will be £225 per learner, except for those pupils entering Year 7 who will be entitled to £300. This is an increase on the previous year.

The scheme for the 2022/23 academic year has now started and will end on 30 June 2023. Families are entitled to claim once per child, per school year.

The Pupil Development 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.

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 Pupil Development Access scheme for one year, which I am sure will benefit a number of families here in Bridgend County Borough.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Jon-Paul Blundell

For more information and details about how to apply, please visit our website.