New School Term brings financial help for school essentials

From September, eligible learners in Cardiff will receive additional financial support from the Welsh Government School Essentials scheme (Pupil Development Grant Access) which helps with the cost of uniform, sports equipment, stationery, and devices. This is in addition to Free School Meals.

Last week, research from the Bevan Foundationrevealed that the majority of Welsh people are cutting back on essential items due to rising costs of living.^[1]As the new term approaches, Cardiff Council is urgingparents to apply for the support they’re entitled to.

In some areas of Wales, up to 40% of learners eligible for free school meals are missing out on additional help available to them. This year, Cardiff is committed to guiding parents and carers to access the money they are entitled to.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said:”Many people will be feeling the effects of the current cost of living crisis but for some families the impact is far greater. We are committed to making sure that the financial squeeze does not get in the way of education. Our teams are on hand to make sure that those parents who need it most, receive the help that they are entitled to.

“I welcome theadditional funding, and I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to get in touch, so that they can access the right support throughout the school year.”

If you are a family with children who arenotcurrently receiving Free School Meals and your circumstances have changed this year, Cardiff Council might have support available for you. To check if you are eligible for Free School Meals (eFSM) and School Essentials (PDG Access) which includes support for uniform, sports equipment and devices, visit Free School Meals (cardiff.gov.uk)

You can also call the Adviceline on 029 2087 1071 or pop into one of our Hubs

If your child is currently in receipt of Free School Meals, you may also be entitled to additional help through School Essentials (PDG Access).To access this year’s scheme please visit;
Pupil Development Grant (Previously School Uniform Grant) (cardiff.gov.uk)

Many schools in Cardiff run uniform recycling schemes and other uniform donation initiatives are run across the city such as charity, A Better Fit.

Welsh Government has confirmed that all primary learners in Wales are to receive a Free School Meal as part of the Universal Free School Meal scheme. The scheme will be rolled out over the next three years starting with the youngest learners. All children in Reception will receive Free School Meals from this September.

The Universal Free School Meals policy is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, which will see free school meals extended to all primary school learners over the next three years.

For more information, visit Find out about free school meals | GOV.WALES.

Cardiff Council currently has a range of support for people struggling with cost of living pressures. This includes assistance with obtaining food, advice on winter fuel bills, help with rent arrears and much more. We encourage anyone experiencing difficulties at the moment to get in touch with our Money Advice Team on 029 2087 1071, email[email protected], pop into any Hub or visitwww.cardiff.gov.uk/costofliving.