You could be eligible to receive up to £200 to buy school uniform

Local Aberavon AM, David Rees, is reminding parents and carers that they could be eligible to receive up to £200 to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for your child.

The Aberavon Assembly Member is urging parents and carers to contact Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to see if they are eligible for the Pupil Development Grant (PDG) – Access.

The Welsh Labour Government funding means that eligible pupils in year 3 of Primary school and Year 10 in Comprehensive school can apply for £125 to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for your child. Whilst pupils entering Reception and Year 7 could be eligible for £200. The funding is also available for all looked after children of compulsory school age.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply for this grant, please read the information here, which also links to the application process. https://www.npt.gov.uk/1316

Additionally, Mr Rees recently wrote to Neath Port Talbot Council to ascertain what support was in place for pupils in years 8,9 and 11 in the Upper Afan Valley, who will now be attending a different school. These pupils, who are in receipt of eFSM and would not normally be eligible for the PDG Access Grant in these school years are able to access support from a £5000 fund to purchase new school uniform for their new school in September, be that Ysgol Cwm Brombil or Maesteg Comprehensive School.  This is being made available through Cymmer Afan Comprehensive school and Parents should speak to the school or the local authority for support in accessing this fund.

David Rees AM said “Pupils should not miss out on opportunities or feel excluded because of their personal circumstances.  Welsh Labour believe that everyone should be encouraged to aim high and be properly supported to achieve that goal.”

“This money is to help pupils in Aberavon reach their full potential without facing challenges of meeting school uniform conformity.  I would urge parents and carers to find out whether they are eligible. Being able to go to school and not stand out is an essential part of a child’s education and this scheme ensures that all pupils regardless of background have that opportunity.”

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