Support for Families
There are a number of ways in which families may be able to access financial help to support their children’s education. This can include: Free School Meals, uniform, school trips or equipment.
Free School Meals
Your child could get Free School Meals if you receive any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit - Child Tax Credit (as long as you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and you don’t get more than £16,190 a year)
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit (with annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get).
Apply today if you receive any of these benefits. It takes 5 minutes and in most cases you will be told straightaway if your child can get free meals at school.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/at-school/free-school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx
Alternatively call 0300 123 4048 if you live in Hertfordshire.
When you call to apply for Free School Meals, please have the following information ready:
- National Insurance numbers and dates of birth of you and your partner
- Dates of birth of your children
- If you receive support from the National Asylum Support Service, your NASS number
Please be assured that the process of purchasing a Free School Meal is completely confidential. The Government has recently extended Free School Meal eligibility to children in all households, with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), subject to maximum income thresholds. Further information can be obtained from the following website.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools-and-local-authorities/providing-free-school-meals-to-families-with-no-recourse-to-public-funds-nrpf
Uniform
As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, good quality pre-worn uniform is available free from the School Office. All non branded uniform can be purchased in any major supermarket chain – there is no expectation for branded uniform to be worn.
Grants
Parents requiring financial assistance towards the costs can apply for support from the Hertfordshire Educational Foundation, which is a small registered charity supporting young people who live in Hertfordshire. The foundation provides grants to support children with their education, including school visits. Funds are available for young people with disabilities or who are disadvantaged.
Tel: 01438 843319
Website:https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/at-school/financial-help/hertfordshire-educational-foundation.aspx
School Journeys
If you have exceptional financial difficulties you may be entitled to apply for a grant to cover part of the cost from Hitchin Youth Trust. If you have lived in Hitchin or the surrounding villages for at least 12 months, and your child has not previously had any help from the Hitchin Youth Trust, the Trust may consider an application for financial help. The Trust will pay a maximum of 50% of the total cost for any application and, when considering applications, they will take into account the effort made by parents to contribute towards the total cost. Further information is available at: www.hitchinyouthtrust.co.uk.
The school’s expectation is that all children will have the opportunity to attend residential trips, regardless of financial challenges. Where this could be a barrier, parents and carers are encouraged to contact Mrs Pollard; all queries are treated in strict confidence.
Hitchin Partnership
Click here to access a wealth of parental support materials including financial support.