School Essentials Grant (clothing grant)

Welsh Government School Essentials Grant 2023/24 (01.07.23 - 31.05.24)

The Welsh Government School Essentials Grant helps eligible pupils acquire School uniform, equipment, sports kit, and kit for activities outside of school for your child. The scheme is targeted specifically at pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (not transitionally protected).

New school years are now eligible, and criteria has been extended to include laptops or tablets.

Learners eligible for free school meals can apply for this grant if they are:

• in reception class at primary school
• in school years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
• 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

For Year 7 learners the grant is £200, recognising the increased costs associated with starting secondary school. For all other year groups, the grant is £125.00.

Funding for looked-after children is available in every school year.

The local authority will assess which pupils are entitled to this grant based on free school meal entitlement. All eligible pupils will then be provided with an application form via their current school. Direct bank payments will be made to applicants on receipt of the completed application form.

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

If you have any queries regarding this grant you can email PDGAccess@merthyr.gov.uk