The School Essentials Grant is funded by the Welsh Government and is put in place to help those on low income with the cost of school uniforms and equipment for their children.
Since the application opened back in July of this year, many parents and carers have already taken advantage of this scheme. If you feel like you could be eligible for the grant, we have all the details you need to know.
Funding for all ages
Children of all school ages from reception, up to year 11 are all included in the grant. They can receive £125 through the initiative.
For those children entering into year 7, they are entitled to £200 under the funding.
What the grant can be used for
Should applicants be eligible to receive the grant, the money provided is to help pay for a multitude of school essentials.
School uniform and sports kits, equipment such as school bags and stationery laptops and tablet devices, are all eligible items. It can also help to pay for uniforms for wider activities such as sports, scouts and guides.
Specialist equipment when new curricular activities begin such as design and technology can be paid for with help from the grant. Also, equipment for out of school hours trips are valid under the grant such as waterproofs for outdoor learning.
Eligibility
Any child receiving free school meals and attending a school in Wrexham is eligible for the grant. They are also eligible if they are:
- Entering reception class in primary school
- Entering school years 1 to 11
- In a special school, special needs resource base or pupil referral unit and are aged 4 to 15
All looked after children are eligible to receive the grant, regardless of their free school meals status.
Important notice
Those who have had a chance in circumstance within the last 12-months may need to re-apply for free school meals before applying for the grant. Once their eligibility has been confirmed, you can then apply for the grant.
Children who receive free school meals due to transitional protection arrangements are not eligible to receive the School Essentials Grant.
Children who are only receiving meals under the universal offer who are in reception to year 6 are also not eligible for the grant.
Receiving the grant
Those who are successful in their application will receive their payment via BACS Transfer to their bank account.
If you have any questions about the School Essential Grant, you can email uniformgrant@wrexham.gov.uk for further details.
Alternatively, if you wish to apply for the grant, head over to the School Essentials Grant page over on our website.
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education said “It is imperative that every child has a fair and equal chance of an education. A key factor in getting the most out of their time in school is having the correct equipment to learn. The School Essentials Grant is a great opportunity for parents and guardians with young learners to receive assistance, courtesy of our Welsh Government”.
