Hundreds of families across the Royal Borough of Greenwich will receive extra financial help to buy clothing for the new school term after local leaders agreed to expand a specialist grant scheme to include children who attend academy schools.
Consultation Results Support Expansion
The decision follows a public consultation held earlier this year which received more than 700 responses from local people. A clear majority of residents supported extending the financial support to more children regardless of the type of school they attend.
Grant Amounts by School Year
Eligible households will receive cash boosts of up to £150 per child depending on their school year. Children starting Reception and Year three will qualify for £50, while those entering Year seven will get £150 and Year nine pupils will receive £100. The expansion will be funded using money from a dedicated crisis and resilience fund.
New Food Support for EOTAS Children
The local authority will also introduce new support with food costs for children who receive education outside of school (EOTAS). This specific educational support is designed for children with complex needs who cannot attend a traditional school setting. The funding will not be available to parents who simply choose to homeschool their children.
Council Leader's Statement
Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "Every parent wants their child to walk into school feeling confident, comfortable and ready to learn, but we know the cost of school uniforms can put real pressure on family budgets. By extending our School Uniform Grant to academy schools, we’re making sure more families can get the help they need. Parents told us this change would make a big difference during consultation, and we listened."
Cabinet Member's Remarks
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, cabinet member for finance and resources, added: "Every child deserves the support they need to reach their full potential. Families caring for children with complex needs already have so much to think about, including additional costs and challenges. This new support will help with everyday food costs, making sure that children who get EOTAS don’t miss out on the same help available to children in school."
How to Apply
Applications for the expanded grant and the food support will open ahead of the upcoming school year. Families can check the local authority website to see if they qualify and to find out how to apply.
