Welsh Government are providing funding towards a School Essentials Grant scheme.
The Purpose of the Scheme is to enable the Council to provide grant assistance to families on low incomes for the purchase of:
- School uniform including coats and shoes;
- School sports kit including footwear;
- IT Equipment: laptop and tablets ONLY (School Essentials should only be used in limited situations where a school is unable to loan equipment to the family)
- Uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to, scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts or dance;
- Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery;
- Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology; and
- Equipment for out of school hour’s trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs.
This is not an exhaustive list.
The Funding is £125 per pupil apart for Year 7 pupils where the figure is £200.00, is available to pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals (but not those that are Transitionally Protected) or are looked after entering
- Reception Class - Year 11 of maintained primary schools in September 2024; or
- Pupils in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units who are aged 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 in September 2024.
- For looked after children of compulsory school age and are classed as looked after by a local authority. The Local Authority in which the child attends school is responsible for issuing the grant.
Entitlement Criteria for the grant:
If you receive one of the following benefits you may be entitled to receive a Grant :
- Employment and Support Allowance (income based)
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance (income based)
- Child Tax Credit (with annual taxable income not exceeding £16,190).
- Pension Credit (Guarantee)
- Help under Immigration and Asylum Seekers Act 1999 (No Recourse to Public Funds)
- Universal Credit provided your household has an annualised net earned income of no more than £7,400
Families in receipt of Working Tax Credit are not eligible even if their annual taxable income is less than £16,190.
How do I make an application?
If you receive Housing Tax Benefit or Council Tax Reduction from Cyngor Gwynedd, you will not have to complete an application form for a grant, we will assess your right automatically. If you do not receive Housing Tax Benefit or Council Tax Reduction from Cyngor Gwynedd, and are of the opinion that your family is entitled to a grant, you can download the application form below.
Application form - School Essentials Grant
Frequently asked questions
Contact the Benefits office
Phone: 01286 682689
E-mail: budd-daliadau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru