Support available for the new school term

Cyngor Gwynedd is urging parents and guardians of school-aged children to check if they are eligible for support towards buying clothes and learning materials for the new term.

The costs of the new academic year can cause concern for many families and Cyngor Gwynedd is keen to remind families to make the most of the support available, which includes:

Free school meals – all primary school-age children in Gwynedd receive free school meals; and free meals are available to eligible secondary school pupils.

School Essentials Grant Scheme – Families may be entitled to financial support of up to £200 for things such as school uniforms, including coats and shoes; school activities such as music, sports and equipment for after-school activities; classroom materials such as pens, pencils and school bags.

School uniform – In addition to the grants, many schools run clubs or banks to recycle and exchange school uniform which is open to all pupils.

Free period products – Free 100% eco-friendly period products are available to all who need them in Gwynedd schools.

Councillor Beca Brown, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Education, said: ⁠

"Everyone wants children to enjoy their school years and we don't want families to be worried about how they can pay for the clothes and equipment their children will need to make the most of every opportunity that arises."

"With the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis still being felt here in Gwynedd, I am keen that the families of all school pupils in the county are aware of the support available.

"I'm delighted that school lunches have been available to all primary school-age children in Gwynedd since September 2023, a full year ahead of the Welsh Government's timetable. With the introduction of free meals for all, it continues to be important for families who meet the criteria to apply in order to access the School Essentials Grant. It also means that schools get more money."

Councillor Beca Brown added: "Requests for support can be made through Cyngor Gwynedd's website, www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/school. If you have no web access at home, remember that computers and web access are freely available at all county libraries.

All requests for support will be handled sensitively and confidentially and if you need any help applying, please speak to your school or contact the Council's Benefits Service on 01286 682689 or e-mail budd-daliadau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru.

“Support for school pupils is just one measure - Cyngor Gwynedd has a wide range of schemes to support local families to cope with the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, including help with buying food and to get better control of home energy costs.

"I would encourage anyone struggling to make ends meet to look at the support and information available to families on our website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/costofliving, where there is information on free food sharing and affordable food schemes within the county. Or drop into one of Gwynedd's Community Hubs, again the details are on the Council's website."