Pupil Development Grant (PDG Access)
The scheme for the 2022/23 academic year will begin on 1 July 2022 and end on 30 June 2023.
The Welsh Government PDG Access grant provides assistance to families on low incomes with the purchase of:
- School uniform including coats and shoes
- School sports kit including footwear
- IT Equipment: laptop and tablets ONLY (PDG Access should only be used in a limited situation, where a school is unable to loan equipment to the family)
- Uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to, scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts or dance
- Equipment eg school bags and stationery
- Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology and
- Equipment for out of school hour’s trips such as outdoor learning eg waterproofs.
The funding is available for pupils who are currently eligible for free school meals (but not those whose eligibility is transitionally protected), and:
- Entering Reception in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 1 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 2 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 3 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 4 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 5 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 6 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 7 in September 2022 at a rate of £300
- Entering year 8 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 9 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 10 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- Entering year 11 in September 2022 at a rate of £225
- For learners in a special school, special needs resource base or pupil referral unit and are aged 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15; and
- For looked after children of compulsory school age and are classed as looked after by a local authority.
- Pupils with no recourse to public funds and entering the above school years in the 2022-23 academic year should be entitled to assistance under this Funding.
The rates of grant payable have been increased for 1 year only.
Accordingly funding of up to £225 is available for each eligible learner, with the exception of those learners entering Year 7 who will be entitled to a maximum grant of £300.
Please note: Pupils who receive Free School Meals due to transitional protection arrangements do not qualify for this grant funding.