We know that sending the kiddos back to school comes with its own set of challenges – and we're not just talking about the early morning school runs! School uniforms, stationery, equipment, and even broadband can all add up, and sometimes, it can feel a bit overwhelming.
There are numerous avenues of support available to help you manage these costs, and we're here to share a few of them with you today.
Friendly Funds for School Uniforms
Martin Lewis shared his always-insightful tips on Netmums, telling us that parents earning under £60,000 annually could be eligible for support with school uniform costs. Something we’re sure not a lot of parents know! It's always worth checking with your local council or popping onto GOV.UK to see if any schemes in your area can give you a helping hand.
Stationery, Equipment and Transport
Then there are the other bits and bobs like stationery, equipment, and maybe most important of all…transport! There’s a super helpful page on the Citizens Advice website that explains that, if you're on a low income, your local education authority might be able to lend a hand with these extra expenses - particularly travel, but as always, it depends on your location:
If your child is aged 5 to 16, your local education authority (LEA) might help with free or lower cost transport if you don't live near school or your child's unable to walk there.
And let's not forget about the fantastic Family Fund! They offer grants for many programmes, including educational tools and resources for families with disabled or seriously ill children.
Navigating the Web with Social Tariffs for Broadband
The internet has become an indispensable part of our children's education, and no child should be left behind because of broadband costs. The Money Saving Expert website has a tonne of information on the different social tariffs for broadband and phones, available to those on benefits or low incomes.
So, while the back-to-school season can seem like a whirlwind of expenses, remember that you're not alone in this. From helping hands with uniforms to stationery to digital support, there's a wide network of resources out there just waiting to help!
As always, we at Fair for You are here to offer tips, share helpful resources, and stand with you every step of the way. So keep calm, carry on, and remember – school’s in, and we've got this together!
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The content of this blog does not constitute personal financial advice, and the views expressed in it are those of the contributor or author, which may not necessarily represent or reflect the views expressed by Fair for You Enterprise CIC.