Funding support for parents of new P1 kids

IAN BUNTING

Monklands parents whose children are of age to start primary school after the summer are being encouraged to apply for financial support worth £250.

The Best Start Grant School Age Payment is open to eligible families with a child born between March 1, 2015, and February 29 of the following year who is old enough to begin Primary One this year.

The one-off £250 payment aims to put extra cash in the pockets of low income families and can be used for anything from a new pair of shoes to books or arts and crafts materials.

The closing date for applications is February 26 next year and the money is part of the Best Start Grant, a package of three payments for families in receipt of eligible benefits, including Universal Credit, income support, housing benefit and tax credits, to help at key stages in a child’s life.

Parents who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August this year to August 2021, or those home schooling, should still apply before the closing date.

Satwat Rehman, director of One Parent Families Scotland, said: “Through our work, we know that the earliest years of life are vital to a child’s development and affect inequalities in health, education and employment opportunities later in life.

“Single-parent families are excessively affected by child poverty and the Best Start Grant payments are often a crucial aspect in keeping their heads above water.

“We have supported parents to take part in the development of the Best Start Grant from its inception and are pleased to have helped hundreds of parents to access the grant and reduce moneyrelated stress.”

Social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville added: “I’d like to remind all parents who may be eligible that they should apply now even if they are deferring or home schooling; the money can be used for anything your kids need at this time.

“I’d also encourage parents at this particularly difficult time to check what other financial support they may be eligible for, such as a school clothing grant or free school meals.

“Whilst coronavirus is affecting how we work, it is not stopping ensuring much needed support reaches people.”

Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply for funding.