Help with school costs for kinship families

Help with school uniform costs

Schools must make sure that they limit the number of branded uniform items that a child needs, to keep costs down. If you won’t be able to afford the uniform, you should contact the school or visit their website to see what support is available.

Before each new school year, many supermarkets sell low-cost, basic, non-branded school uniform items.

School uniform grant in England

In England, individual councils decide if they can offer school uniform grants. Contact your local authority to ask about this.

School uniform grant in Wales

In Wales, you might be eligible for a School Essentials Grant. Families can claim once per child, per school year.

When to apply for help with school uniform costs

Local authorities in England and Wales set their own deadlines. Applications usually open at the end of June and stay open until the end of September. Apply directly to your local authority.

Second-hand school uniform

Government guidance says second-hand school uniforms must be easily available for parents and carers needing them. Schools will give information on how to buy second-hand uniforms on their website.

There may be local support too. Search online for:

• local charities that can supply branded uniform items
• local Facebook groups where people swap or sell second-hand school uniform

Free school meals

Schools must provide some children with a free lunch, and there are different schemes for this in various parts of the UK.

Free school meals in England

In England, children in reception, year 1 or 2 in government-funded schools get free school meals (FSM), no matter their household income.

Find out if your child gets FSM after year 2 on your local council’s website.

Free school meals in Wales

In Wales, all primary school children can access Universal Primary Free School Meals. Additionally, eligible children attending maintained schools can get free school meals.

Help with school transport costs

Your local authority will decide if you can get help with the costs of travelling to school. It will depend on:

• their age
• the distance from the school
• if they have any special educational needs or disabilities, or a mobility problem

Find out if your child is eligible on your local council’s website.

Your kinship child may also get free school transport if they get free school meals and you claim certain benefits. Your local authority may set rules on the distance from school.

Childcare costs

Many kinship carers consider childcare an essential part of their support network. Accessible childcare types depend on:

• how old the child is
• family needs
• financial circumstances

Read our guide to financial support with childcare costs for more information.

Charity grants

Turn2us is a national charity with an easy-to-use grant search, matching people with grants they may be eligible for. You don’t need to pay grants back.