From September, eligible learners in Blaenau Gwent will receive additional support. School Essentials (PDG Access) helps with uniform, sports equipment, stationery, and devices.
Research from the Bevan Foundation revealed that the majority of Welsh people are cutting back on essential items due to rising costs of living.
In some areas of Wales, up to 40% of learners eligible for free school meals are missing out on additional help available to them. This year, Blaenau Gwent is committed to guiding parents and carers to the right funding.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Executive Member for People & Education says:
“Funding for School Essentials (PDG Access) is an important step in stopping money getting in the way of children’s education. We urge anyone who feels they are eligible to get in touch with us to support parents and learners through the school year.”
If your child is not currently receiving Free School Meals and your circumstances have changed this year, Blaenau Gwent might have support available for you. To check if you are eligible for Free School Meals (eFSM) and School Essentials (PDG Access) which includes support for uniform, sports equipment and devices, visit https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/benefits-council-tax-reduction-dhp/free-school-meals/
If your child is currently in receipt of Free School Meals, you may also be entitled to additional help through School Essentials (PDG Access). To access this year’s scheme, visit here.
Universal Free School Meals will be rolled out to all primary learners in Wales over the next three years. To help the youngest learners as soon as possible, all children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 in Blaenau Gwent will receive Free School Meals from this September.
The Universal Free School Meals policy is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, which will see free school meals extended to all primary school learners over the next three years. For more information, visit Find out about free school meals | GOV.WALES.
