Wrexham's AM welcomes help with school uniforms

Wrexham's AM, Lesley Griffiths has welcomed news that local parents are to receive additional help from the Welsh Assembly Government, to get children ready to go back to school.

The Assembly Member was commenting on Education Minister, Jane Hutt's announcement that a massive £770,000 school uniform grant will be made available in 2009/2010, to help families on low incomes with the purchase of school uniform for their children.

The funding will provide a grant of £100 to eligible families.

Over the last financial year, more than 200 school pupils in Wrexham have taken advantage of school uniform grants.

The assistance is available to Year 7 pupils (including those in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units) who are entitled to free school meals.

The grants have increased from £85 per pupil since the scheme was initiated by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2005/06 to £100 in 2008/09.

The money pays for Local Education Authorities, such as Wrexham Council, to administer the scheme on behalf of the Welsh Government.

The grants are publicised in leaflets sent to schools, Local Education Authorities and to Citizens Advice Bureaux across Wales.

Commenting on the latest announcement, Lesley Griffiths said:

"School uniform grants play an important role in ensuring families get the right help with this expensive outlay each year.

'"As with free school breakfasts, school uniform grants are playing an essential role in tackling inequality. When it comes to the education of our children, it is crucial we give them all the best possible start.

"To find out more, I would urge parents to contact Wrexham Council on 01978 297505 to see if they are eligible for a grant.''