August is the time that many people dread, yet many others can’t wait for – back to school! Once the summer break is over, it’s time to get on with studying again. However making sure your child has everything needed to really take advantage of what schools can offer can be hard. Not all families can afford to properly dress or feed their children. This is why East Dunbartonshire Council offers school grants in Scotland for school meals and school clothing.
These grants are available to families who otherwise could not afford to properly dress their children for school, or who would be unable to provide suitable lunches. For information on the Best Start Grant School Age Payment, see out blog here.
About School Grants
Clothing grants are there to help you make sure your child has everything they need to wear for getting back to school in Scotland. The grant can go towards things like school uniforms and appropriate shoes.
Most schools require children to wear a uniform of some sort. So it is advisable to check the school’s website to make sure you buy the correct items of clothing.
Free school meals in Scotland are there to ensure your child gets a meal whilst at school. This is normally served in the school canteen along with all other pupils. It ensures that your child doesn’t go hungry throughout the day, which can have a negative impact on their learning.
Who is eligible?
From January 2015, all P1-P3 pupils are entitled to receive free school meals. After this, eligibility for free school meals and clothing grants depends on family income. Your child also has to attend an East Dunbartonshire school run by the council.
If you get Working Tax Credit and/or Child Tax Credit, you may qualify for a grant if you earn below £16,105 per year. If you get both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and your annual income is less than £7,330 you could get free school meals. Finally, if you are on Universal Credit and your monthly earned income is less than £610, you may also be entitled to help.
How to apply for school grants
Applying for grants in East Dunbartonshire is done online. Visit the school clothing grant site for more information, and to apply. Make sure you apply as soon as you can before your children go back to school in Scotland.
If you would like to speak to us about your child’s eligibility for school grants in Scotland, then please get in touch. We can help you work out what help is available with our confidential, impartial and free service.
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