News from our partners: starting school

My oldest child is starting school this month and, with uniforms and PE kits, the costs are already mounting. The school we got into isn’t within walking distance so I now need to budget for bus money five days a week too. We’re already pretty stretched, so I’m not sure how to cover these new costs. Is there any extra help I can get?

The start of a school year can be tough for many people’s budgets, so you’re not alone in your worries. But there is help available.

The Citizens Advice website has lots of information on the support you might be entitled to for school-related costs. If you’re claiming benefits it’s worth checking whether you can get extra help for things like school lunches, transport and uniforms.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. For older children, you can apply for free school meals if you claim certain types of benefits. In Shropshire, you can find out if you’re eligible and apply in our free school meals section.

You’ve mentioned that you’re worried about transport costs. For children aged five to 16, your local education authority might be able to offer free or discounted transport if you’re not able to walk to the school. In Shropshire you can find out about what’s available depending on your child’s age in our school transport section.

Your local education authority might also help you with activity and school uniform costs if you’re on a low income. You’re probably considered to be on a low income if you get means-tested benefits like universal credit or housing benefit. There are also some local charitable schemes that can help – check with your school, as they will usually know if these kinds of schemes are in your area. Schools can sometimes also advise on finding cheap or free second-hand uniforms.

If your child is disabled or has a health condition, you can also claim disability living allowance (this isn’t means-tested).

A lot of peoples’ budgets are feeling the squeeze at the moment, but it’s important to remember that help is available with starting school costs.

If you have more questions or need advice you can contact the Citizens Advice Shropshire FREE advice line: 0808 278 7894 (open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm).

Some other useful resources

Shropshire local offer

Our SEND local offer pages share information on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Education trusts

There are three education trusts in Shropshire. The trusts are there to help students who either live or study in Shropshire.  

The Family Fund

Provides grants to families on low incomes who have disabilities or severe medical conditions. You can find out more about the Family Fund from their website.

School uniform/children’s clothing

Little Stars helps families across Shropshire, supporting parents with essential items for children from 0-5 years. They also run a uniform appeal.

Baby Stop is a project of The Severn Community Charitable Trust. ‘Baby shares’ are being set up to support families with basic baby products sourced from end of line, unsold stock, and donated nearly new products appropriate for 0-3-year-olds.

Bridgnorth school uniform pop-up, available all day every day in September at Bridgnorth Library Visitor Centre: just pop into Bridgnorth Library to browse second-hand school uniforms in good condition. They’re also very keen to receive any donations of outgrown Bridgnorth primary and secondary school uniforms – please make sure they are in good condition and clearly labelled with size and school.

Help with laptops/tablets

If you need a device for your child/children you can contact 8bits1byte in Oswestry who offer a digital inclusion program.

Football boots

Children’s feet grow so quickly when they’re young! It’s frustrating having to spend money on a brand new pair of football boots, when they’re still a perfectly good pair that just don’t fit anymore. Find out more about a free football boot swap for your current outgrown boots still in very good condition for the next size up.

Shropshire Information Advice and Support Service (IASS)

The IASS provide information, advice and support to parents and carers of children aged 0 to 25, and young people aged 16 to 25 who have, or may have, special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).