Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has encouraged parents of eligible children to avail of funding for school uniforms through the Clothing Allowance Scheme, in time for the start of the new school year.
Mrs Overend, who is the Vice-Chair of the Education Committee at Stormont, said,
“August is upon us and like many parents and children across Northern Ireland our family has started the countdown to the start of a new school year. Thoughts are turning to the purchase of new school uniforms. It always surprises me how much our children have grown over the holidays, and the subsequent cost of the clothes and shoes for school adds up. These costs seem to get higher every year, and can be a worry for many families. I would therefore encourage families to check their eligibility for assistance from The Clothing Allowance Scheme, available from The Education Authority.
“The Clothing Allowance Scheme, which is available to pupils in Primary, Post-Primary and Special Schools, has been launched to help with these uniform costs. It works in a similar way to free school meals, and has been targeted at families who are on benefits or low incomes. A fund of £5.4 million has been made available by the Department for Education. Parents who think that they may be eligible for the scheme should contact the Education Authority, who will be able to provide further information and application forms. Alternatively, parents can visit http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/school-uniform-grantfor more information.”