Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke is encouraging parents of eligible children to apply for school uniform grants by contacting their local Education and Library Board who will be able to provide additional information and advice as well as an application form.
He said: “I would urge parents of eligible children to apply for school uniform grants through the Clothing Allowance Scheme which covers pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools. The eligibility criteria are similar to those used for free school meals. Parents can obtain further information, check eligibility criteria and apply through their local Education and Library Board.
“In this time of economic hardship, the cost of buying uniforms can be a huge financial struggle for many families. Parents and pupils will no doubt be planning over recent months for the start of the next school year which may include the purchase of new school uniforms.
“Through the Clothing Allowance Scheme, a school uniform grant, the Department of Education provides much needed support to low income families to assist with the costs of school uniforms. The eligibility criteria for clothing allowances are similar to those used for free school meals and seeks to target families who are on benefits or on low incomes.
“I would encourage parents who think they may be eligible to contact their local Education and Library Board who will be able to provide additional information and advice as well as an application form.
“Any parent who thinks they may be entitled to this valuable allowance should seek further information from their local Education and Library Board,” xa0added Councillor Clarke.
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