Budget for the new school year
From pre-school to the teenage years, finance expert Sinead Ryan has smart ways to budget back-to-school
Finance expert Sinead Ryan on the hidden costs and helpful hacks for funding the school years
IT might be the last thing on your mind mid-holiday, but savvy parents know that it’s best to get prepared for the new school year sooner rather than later. Leaving it until the end of the month means scrambling for the right sized trousers and shoes, queueing for books and spending a fortune.
You’re not on your own though. There are many ways to get assistance, both from Government and elsewhere to help ease the process. The Department of Social Protection (welfare.ie )and Department of Children
(dcya.gov.ie) have excellent, clear websites to show you what you can get for each of the three stages of tertiary education.
PRE-SCHOOL
The Early Childhood Care and Education scheme (ECCE) offers free sessional Montessori education for children aged three to five-and-a-half. ECCE allows three hours per day, five days a week for the school year (September to June). The capitation grant is paid directly to the provider and it is up to parents to choose the facility. If it’s your first time, contact your local City or County Childcare committee (ask at the library or health centre), or call (01) 637 3000 for a list of providers.
Eligibility is age dependent, and from next year there will only be one entry point per year, in September. The Department’s website has an online reckoner to check (dcya.gov.ie).
The provider is allowed to charge extra for more hours, certain activities or a deposit (refundable at the end of the year). You will need your child’s birth certificate and PPS number.
A recent addition is the Access Inclusion Model for children with special needs, so it’s worth asking about this if you believe your child qualifies.
The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) Programme supports low income parents availing of reduced childcare costs at participating community childcare services all year round until the child turns 15.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
All primary schools are eligible for book rental scheme funding, but stationery and workbooks may not be included.
The Back-to-School Footwear & Clothing Allowance is €125. It is means-tested if you are in receipt of a social welfare payment. To apply (until September 30), text ‘Form BTSCFA’ to 51909, or call 1890 662 244. If you received the allowance last year, you qualify automatically and should already have received your payment.
The After-School Childcare Scheme (ASCC) supports low-income unemployed people returning to work by subsidising after-school child care. Ask your local
unemployment officer about the scheme, or see welfare.ie. SECONDARY SCHOOL
Costs can really rack up at second level, so it’s important not to over-pay for anything. Schools do not have to have a book rental scheme, but many do, as second level books are eye-wateringly expensive.
The Back-to-School Footwear & Clothing Allowance has been increased to €250 for those in full-time second level education up to age 22 (it does not apply for college, even for children meeting the age requirement). Application details as above.
The School Meals Programme provides three regular nutritious meals to children unable to have such provided at home in qualifying schools, mainly in DEIS areas. UNIFORMS
Full ranges of uniforms are now in stock across chain stores, although many of the ‘early bird’ offers have finished. Buy generic where you can and it’s a great idea to get ‘spare set’ items from the nearest charity shop to the school. They often sell trousers and jumpers for a euro or two. Kids frequently lose bits and pieces, so it’s very handy and you can repay the favour by donating next summer.
If your uniforms must be crested, ask if you can purchase crests separately to sew on (most suppliers have them loose), and buy a generic jumper instead; it’s far cheaper. BOOKS
If your school doesn’t operate a rental scheme for books consider second hand first. While some stationery shops may have these, websites like donedeal.ie and
openingminds.ie are great resources, while schoolbooks.ie has extended its 15pc discount on all online orders. Make life easier by buying online, or opting for book covering or free delivery offers
(eason.ie has both). VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION
You’ll most likely be asked to stump up for a ‘voluntary’ contribution in September, which may be anything but. The Minister for Education makes it clear every year that schools cannot demand this, so reminder notes home or kids being singled out is simply not on. Complain to the principal if you find this payment beyond you.
Other costs will be for photocopying, school tours and perhaps other activities which you probably can’t do anything about, so the trick is to start putting by cash now. Set up (for free) a savings account on your bank app and pop in whatever you can afford to it. Name it ‘school’ so you’re less likely to raid it, and keep it up after September — the costs are only beginning!