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Parents in Caerphilly County Borough are now able to apply online for a £125 grant to cover the cost of school uniforms and equipment.
A new online application process has been launched ready for when pupils return to the classroom in September.
What can the grant be spent on?
The money can be used to buy school uniform, sports kits, waterproof jackets and equipment such as laptops and tablets for remote learning. However, parents will not be able to buy mobile phones for their children with the grant.
The funding can also be spent on uniform for activities outside of school, such as Scouts or Guides for example.
Parents will also be able to claim the grant retrospectively if they have already bought the equipment.
Who can apply for the grant?
Children entering reception class in primary school, as well as children in Years 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, who are receiving free school meals, will be able to benefit from the scheme.
The scheme is also open to pupils aged 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 who attend either a special school, special needs resource base or pupil referral unit.
Support is available to looked-after children in every school year.
Parents of pupils going into Year 7 will be able to claim £200.
The funding comes from the Welsh Government’s £10.3m Pupil Development Grant, which was expanded in March this year to cover more age groups.
The applications will be processed by Caerphilly County Borough Council and not individual schools.
To apply for the grant, visit the council’s website.
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