School Essentials Grant 2024/2025

The School Essentials Grant provides £125 (except Year 7, which receives £200) to help buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit, and activity-related items for your child.

Key details:

• The scheme runs from 1 July 2024 to 31 May 2025.

• Applies to eligible pupils in compulsory year groups (Reception to Year 11), Looked After Children (CLA), and those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

• Learners currently eligible for free school meals (FSM) qualify if they are:

  • Starting Reception to Year 6 in primary school in September 2024

  • Starting from Year 7 to Year 11 in secondary school in September 2024

  • Aged 4 to 15 attending special schools, resource bases, or pupil referral units (matching the year groups above)

• Year 7 learners receive £200 due to increased secondary school costs.

• This funding is for pupils currently eligible for FSM, excluding transitional protection or universal primary FSM recipients.

• All Looked After Children of compulsory school age qualify regardless of FSM status.

Application and payment:

• No separate application is required.

• Eligible families will receive a letter from the Post Office to collect a cash payment at any branch.

• Letters expire after one month and should be cashed promptly.

• Letters are expected to be sent out in July 2024.

Queries:

📞 01443 864055 (Catering Support Team)
✉️ schoolessentialsgrant@caerphilly.gov.uk

🔗 Further info available on the Welsh Government website.