FROM September, eligible learners in Conwy will receive additional support from the School Essentials Pupil Development Grant to help with uniform, sports equipment, stationery, and devices.

Last month, research from the Bevan Foundation revealed that the majority of Welsh people are cutting back on essential items due to rising costs of living.

In some areas of Wales, up to 40 per cent of learners eligible for free school meals are missing out on additional help available to them.

As the new term approaches, Conwy County Borough Council is urging parents to apply for the support they’re entitled to.

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Cllr Julie Fallon, Conwy’s cabinet member for education, said: “Funding for School Essentials is an important step in stopping financial barriers getting in the way of children’s education.

“We urge anyone who feels they are eligible to get in touch with us.”

If your child is currently receiving free school meals, you may be entitled to additional help through this grant.

If your child is not currently receiving free school meals and your circumstances have changed this year, the council might have support available for you.

To find out more and to apply, visit www.conwy.gov.uk/educationbenefits.

Universal Free School Meals will be rolled out to all primary learners in Wales in the next three years.

To help the youngest learners as soon as possible, in Conwy, all children in Reception, Year One and Year Two will receive free school meals from this September.

The Universal Free School Meals policy is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, which will see free school meals extended to all primary school learners in the next three years.

For more information, visit gov.wales/find-out-about-free-school-meals.