7 ways to ease back-to-school worries

As families gear up for the start of a new school term, concerns about the cost of living crisis weigh heavy on their minds. However, families in Wales can find solace in the various support systems and free schemes designed to assist learners and their families with school expenses.

Here are seven schemes that families may be eligible for:

1. School Essentials grant: Students from reception to year 11 who are currently eligible for free school meals can apply for a grant to cover the costs of school uniform, sports kit, and equipment. The grant amount is £125 per child, with learners entering year 7 entitled to £200 to help with the increased costs associated with starting secondary school. All looked-after children qualify for this grant, irrespective of their eligibility for free school meals. The scheme for 2023 to 2024 is now open. Visit https://www.gov.wales/get-help-school-costs for more information.
   
   
2. Free school meals: Universal primary free school meals are progressively being implemented across Wales, commencing with the youngest learners in primary schools. All primary school pupils are set to receive a free school meal by September 2024 as part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru. Children in secondary school may also be eligible for free school meals if their parents or carers receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, or Jobseeker’s Allowance. Eligibility for free school meals must be applied for. Visit https://www.gov.wales/get-help-school-costs for more information. Free breakfasts may be available to children in primary school if their school is maintained by the local authority and provides free breakfasts.
    
3. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA): 16 to 18-year-olds who wish to continue their education might be eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance. This weekly payment of £40 assists with costs related to further education, such as transport or meals. Payments are made every fortnight and can be utilized for academic or vocational courses. More information on EMA and the application process can be found on Student Finance Wales' website - https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/further-education-funding/education-maintenance-allowance/ 
   
   
4. Assistance with transport costs: Local school or college students pursuing further education may qualify for financial aid to cover transport expenses. More details are available at https://gov.wales/help-further-education-transport-costs 
   
   
5. Free Welsh lessons: Students aged 16 to 18 attending school, college, or apprenticeship schemes have the opportunity to enhance their Welsh language skills through free Welsh lessons. This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's Co-Operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru, aiming to provide free Welsh lessons to 16-25-year-olds and teaching staff through the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The courses are accessible through online platforms, face-to-face classes, and self-study digital resources. Eligible individuals can obtain more information from their respective educational institutions or through the National Centre's portal for young people here - https://learnwelsh.cymru/welsh-for-young-people/ 
   
   
6. Free Office 365 licences: Hwb, a website offering a range of free apps and software to aid in student learning, provides all teachers and learners with a Hwb account. This account grants access to educational resources and digital tools. Notably, Hwb accounts feature an automatic, complimentary Microsoft Office 365 license. This license allows pupils to access and install the latest Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Minecraft: Education Edition. The license is applicable for up to 15 devices, including tablets, smartphones, desktop computers, and laptops.
   
   
7. Financial Contingency Fund: The Financial Contingency Fund extends financial support to eligible learners enrolled in Further Education colleges. This fund can be utilized to cover childcare costs, transport, meals, course equipment, learning materials, and field trips. To address the cost-of-living crisis faced by vulnerable learners, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language has announced a 6.5% increase to the fund for 2023/24. Interested individuals can seek further information from their respective colleges. By taking advantage of these available schemes, families in Wales can navigate the challenges of school costs while ensuring their children receive an education. To access support or acquire more information, please reach out to the relevant authorities or educational institutions.