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Far North MSP flags up grant for eligible children starting school in 2020


By Caroline McMorran

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Local MSP Gail Ross is encouraging parents of children aged four to five to apply for the SNP Government’s Best Start Grant.

A one-off £250 payment is currently open to eligible families, with a child who was born between March 1, 2015, and February 29, 2016, who will be starting primary school this year.

The School Age payment can be used for anything from a new pair of school shoes or arts and crafts materials for children.

The School Age payment can be used for anything from a new pair of school shoes or arts and crafts materials for children. Picture: Adobe Stock Images.
The School Age payment can be used for anything from a new pair of school shoes or arts and crafts materials for children. Picture: Adobe Stock Images.

It is part of the SNP Government’s Best Start Grant, a package of three payments for families in receipt of eligible benefits – including Universal Credit and Housing Benefit – to help at key stages in a child’s life.

Ms Ross, who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “Covering the costs of a child starting school can be tough on family finances, especially in the current climate.

“The Government’s school age payment offers low income families, or those who receive support like Universal Credit, a £250 payment around the time children start at primary school.

“We’re absolutely determined that every child, regardless of circumstances, gets the best start in life. So in these unprecedented and difficult times, I’d encourage families across Caithness, Sutherland and Ross to check what other financial support they may be eligible for too – such as school clothing grants or free school meals.”

Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply.

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