Families are set to receive help with the cost of school uniforms as part of an initiative announced today.
An estimated 1,000 children are expected to benefit from the scheme, which is being rolled out as parents and carers prepare for a return to school in September.
From branded uniform to school shoes and coats, the funding can be used for any clothing items pupils need for school.
Taken from the Household Support Fund, we have allocated £60,000 which residents could submit applications for.
Applications were open to any resident currently in receipt of benefits, including work related benefits.
Cllr Karen Clark, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “We know from speaking to our schools and families that many residents are concerned about having to find the money for school uniform for the new academic year.
“We’ve worked alongside schools in the borough to support the opening of uniform schemes which have been running successfully, and this grant is a further way to support those families who need it most.
“While the funding is limited, we’re aiming to support around a thousand families to relieve the financial pressure of uniform this summer.”
The uniform grant scheme is one of a range of support in schools. We have worked with schools in the borough to establish swap shops and uniform support schemes and policies.
Details of these schemes, and applications for the uniform grant, can be found here.