Here for You - Get help with back to school costs

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL:

We understand that the rising cost of living can be especially worrying if you have difficulty paying your bills including your housing costs. But there is help and advice available to assist you.

Get help with back to school costs

As part of the Government’s Help for Households campaign, the following support is being offered to help families with children at school.

 Scholastic is offering 20% off children’s books.

 Scholastic will also donate an additional 20% of all order values over £10 in Rewards to local schools for them to spend on books and resources to help stock libraries and classrooms.

 Amazon has launched a series of Back to School deals providing discounts ranging from backpacks and school uniforms, including up to 30% off Clarks School Shoes, to deals on stationary essentials from BIC, Staedtler and Papermate.

Free school meals

If your child is in year 2 or below, they can get free school meals. Speak to your child's school or apply online at http://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/kent

If your child is below 19 years of age and in full-time education, they may be eligible for free school meals. If you live in Kent, find out more at http://www.kent.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Help with childcare costs

As children return to school after the summer holidays, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding families who may be missing out on Tax-Free Childcare to register.

Tax-Free Childcare puts more money back in the pockets of working families by providing much needed financial support towards the cost of childcare. Families can receive up to £2,000 a year per child – or £4,000 if their child is disabled – to put towards the cost of childcare. It is available for children aged up to 11, or 17 if the child has a disability. The money can help towards the cost of holiday clubs, before and after-school clubs, childminders and nurseries, and other approved childcare schemes.