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A grant scheme which gives parents £125 to pay for school uniform and equipment has been expanded, Wales’ Education Minister has announced.

The expansion will see the £10.3m Pupil Development Grant cover more year groups than before, and allow laptops and tablets – which have become vital for pupils learning remotely during the coronavirus pandemic – to be covered by the grant.

Currently, the grant allows families in receipt of free school meals to buy uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school.

Families of pupils in Year 7, which is the first year of secondary school, will be able to claim £200.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said the grant is “crucial to delivering the future success of our learners”.

Ms Williams added: “I want Wales to have strong and inclusive schools committed to excellence, equity and wellbeing; a system there to support our most disadvantaged learners.

“We know that the cost of the school day is an important issue to many families in Wales.”

Caerphilly’s Senedd Member, Hefin David, welcomed the expansion of the scheme and said: “It is very important that our most disadvantaged learners are supported to the best of our abilities. This is a valuable contribution to the costs that come with schooling, even more so during the pandemic.

“The standard of education a child receives should not be based on how wealthy their family is.”

Who can claim the support?

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.

Funding for the 2020/21 school year is available until June 30, with the new scheme for the 2021/22 school year opening on July 15.

To apply for the grant, visit Caerphilly County Borough Council’s website or call 01443 864864 or 01443 864855