Nick Blencowe, chief operating officer from Citizens Advice Rural Cambs, gives advice on how to budget for new school uniform.

The Hunts Post: Nick Blencowe is chief operating officer for Citizens Advice Rural Cambs.Nick Blencowe is chief operating officer for Citizens Advice Rural Cambs. (Image: Nick Blencowe)

 

A new school year can put pressure on lots of people’s budgets, so you’re not alone in your worries. But there is help available.

A good place to start is the Citizens Advice website where you will find lots of information on the support you might be entitled to for school-related costs.

The help you can get to cover school lunches will vary depending on how old your children are and if you claim benefits.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 automatically get free school meals. You can apply for free school meals for older children if you claim certain types of benefits, including Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support. The full list is available on the Citizens Advice website.

You mentioned concerns about travel costs. If your child can't walk to school because of special educational needs or disabilities they should get free school transport.

You may be able to get help with transport costs from your Local Education Authority if your children can’t walk because it's dangerous or too far.

Your Local Education Authority is part of your local council that deals with education in your area, you can find yours on GOV.UK. Contact it directly to find out exactly what support it offers.

If you’re on a low income, your Local Education Authority may also be able to help you with activity and school uniform costs. You’re likely to be considered to be on a low income if you get means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

In some places there are also local charitable schemes that can help. A good place to find out about these is the school itself or Parent Teacher Association (PTA) both will usually know if these kinds of schemes exist.

For further help and support contact Citizens Advice Rural Cambs: 

  • Adviceline: 0808 278 7807 - Monday to Friday 09:30 to 15:30       
  •  Email or Web chat via:  www.citizensadviceruralcambs.org.uk        

    

Information also available on our website at www.citizensadviceruralcambs.org.uk or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.