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A grant to help families with the cost of school uniforms, sports kits and equipment is now open for applications.

The Welsh Government’s School Essential Grant covers low income families with children in reception up to Year 11.

Children whose families are on lower incomes and qualify for certain benefits can apply for a grant of £125 per pupil and £200 for children entering Year 7.

The grant, which is now providing support for the upcoming academic year, was previously known as the PDG Access Grant.

Wales’ education minister, Jeremy Miles, said: “The School Essentials Grant helps to reduce the financial burden placed on families when buying school uniform and equipment, enabling children to attend school and take part in activities at the same level as their peers”

He continued: “The Schools Essentials Grant is the highest level of financial support available in the UK.

“Around 98,000 children and young people are eligible for the School Essentials Grant and I want to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for this support to help them buy essential school items for their child.”

Mr Miles also spoke of how families are facing “increased pressure” due to the cost-of-living crisis, and spoke of Welsh Government guidance recently introduced to bring the cost of school uniforms down.