Mid Ulster MLA urges parents to check if they can get school uniform grants

Education Authorities run a Clothing Allowance Scheme to help those on low incomes or in receipt of benefits.

Mum-of-three and Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, is encouraging parents to check in time for the start of the new school year as “the cost of clothes and shoes for school adds up”.

“August is upon us, and like many parents and children across Northern Ireland our family makes the inevitable countdown to the start of a new school year, and our thoughts turn to the purchase of new school uniforms,” Mrs Overend, also Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, said.

“It always surprises me how much our children have grown and the subsequent cost of the clothes and shoes for school,” she added.

“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.”

A total of £5.4m has been made available by the Department for Education for the Clothing Allowance Scheme which is available to pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools.

For details visit http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/school-uniform-grant