The challenges we are all facing with the increasing cost of living is continuing (made all the more difficult by the cold weather and long winter). As a governing body, we have considered ways we can support families at this difficult time. The barriers we have identified include (but are not limited to):
- Electronic devices/internet
- School meal prices and wraparound care
- School visits and residentials
- Uniform
- After school activities
- School meals, food and heating at home
We are keeping these barriers in mind with any policy making, forward planning and decisions we make in order to minimise the financial strain on families.
Below is a list of links to signpost you to agencies and organisations who can support you and your family is you are in difficulty. Please remember that we are here to support you too.
Uniform
School uniform is an ongoing cost for families and can put a particular strain on those with several children. Our school collects good-quality, pre loved uniform which is available to all families for a donation (or for free). Blue Cross charity shop also stock our pre loved items in case families would prefer to access this service from a shop rather than through school.
We see a lot of waste in school with hundreds of unnamed items going into recycling every year. The initial outlay for clothing labels is significant (around £50). However, they will last up to two years meaning that you will never lose a single hat, glove, coat, , t-shirt, jumper, bottle or lunchbox. The saving will easily exceed the initial cost.
You can buy the package that suits you at: https://www.easy2name.com/?msclkid=7c9d9b65a99119f4ec60f88a8e1459df
Cost of Living Support
There are a wide variety of support schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire which may be able to help or advise if you are struggling to pay for essentials. https://northyorks.gov.uk/cost-living-support
Childcare Choices
Government help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Specified Adult Childcare credits
You can apply for if you are a grandparent, or other family member caring for a child under 12: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-credits-for-adults-who-care-for-a-child-under-12-fact-sheet/specified-adult-childcare-credits-fact-sheet
Hambleton Foodshare
You can self refer if you need support with food and other essential items: https://dev1.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk/
Period Products
The period product scheme is underway in our school. We can provide free period products to girls if they need them.
