Affordable Schools
Cost of living information and support for parents and carers
At Wootton Bassett Infants' School we
understand that the cost of supporting your children through school can put
pressure on your household budgets. The cost of living crisis has resulted in money
worries for many more families who are facing
even further pressures
with increases in the cost of essentials like food, heating and fuel.
We understand how difficult it
can be when children are unable to participate in activities in the way they
would like to, when costs get in the way. We want all our children to feel comfortable and confident in
school and be able to participate in everything that is on offer. We want to do all we can to make every school
day affordable for all our families and to help you find the support you might
need if you have money concerns.
Getting help
It can be difficult to talk
about money worries. People finding it
hard to make ends meet often hang on and try and sort things out themselves;
not seeking help until the situation has become very difficult. Whatever the issues you are facing we would
encourage you to ask for support before things get that way. There is no shame in seeking support and both
the school and the help organisations listed below will help with sensitivity
and confidentiality.
Please talk to us about your concerns so that we can work together to ensure your child can access everything on offer whatever the cost. As you know, our door is always open, but we do now have a designated school email address affordability@woottonbassett-inf.wilts.sch.uk. where you can communicate any financial challenges and it will only be viewed by Mrs. Pass and Miss Lynne.
You can of course speak to any member of staff you choose.
In December we sent out a survey for parents and carers to share their experiences with regards to the cost of the school day. Thank you, here are the results: Cost of the School Day Survey Results Dec 2023.
We were delighted to read your positive comments and have taken on board your suggestions for improving affordability in school. Please find our dates for 2024 including prior notice for cost implications here. Please feel to email affordability@woottonbassett-inf.wilts.sch.uk anytime with comments and suggestions.
There are also many sources of
support from both local and national organisations. Here are some key agencies
that we recommend:
Local support
Advice Local: find local advice services
in your area.
Community Directory
Interactive
Community Directory - Wiltshire Council
Council tax, benefits and financial support
Council tax,
benefits and financial support - Wiltshire Council
Energy costs advice and guidance
Energy costs
advice and guidance - Wiltshire Council
Housing information and support
Housing information and support - Wiltshire Council
Mental Health support
Mental
Health support - Wiltshire Council
Local Practical Help
Local
practical help - Wiltshire Council
Supporting businesses
Supporting
businesses through the rising cost of living - Wiltshire Council
Warm spaces
Wiltshire
Council warm spaces - Wiltshire Council
National Advice and Information Support
Services
Citizens Advice: free, independent and
confidential financial advice
Search for your local Citizens Advice - Citizens Advice
EntitledTo: benefit calculator to make
sure families are getting the support they are entitled to
Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate |
reliable
The Money Advice Service: Government website offering comprehensive guidance on all aspects of
money, benefits, debt and investments.
Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert: Martin
Lewis' free site saves you money on Credit Cards, Shopping, Energy
& more. Consumer champion. Money saving guides. Fighting your
corner. Easy to Use.
Money Saving Expert: Energy Help, Credit Cards, Flight Delays,
Shopping and more
Shelter: free support from expert housing
advisers
Get help from Shelter - Shelter England
BBC i-player: There are lots of
money-related tips on this programme on BBC i-player. You can listen any time.
Topics have included surviving debt, tips for rented housing, coping with cost
of living rises, avoiding scams and fraud calls, applying for benefits and much
more.
BBC Radio 4 - Money Box - Available now
NHS Low Income
Scheme: If you have a low
income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help depending on your weekly
income and necessary outgoings, plus any savings or investments you have
at the time you apply
NHS Low Income Scheme | NHSBSA
The home
energy scheme: Energy and
cost saving actions which could help reduce bills
Energy saving tips to save money - Help for Households
Support for your family and school
Parents can claim ‘Pupil Premium’ support for children
(referred to as Free School Meals FSM) if you are in receipt of any of the
following benefits:
- Income Support
- income-based
Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related
Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part
VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the guaranteed
element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
(provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an
annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit
run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit -
if applying on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less
than £7,400 a year (after tax & not including any benefits you get)
This entitles your child to free school meals, beyond EYFS
and KS1 where this provision is universal, as well as a wide range of
additional support for your child (academic, cost of the school day support and
wellbeing)
Information for parents about access and benefits of
claiming FSM can be found at: Free
school meals - Wiltshire Council
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll
also qualify for the Holiday
Activity and Food Programme. Food vouchers may also be available
through the Household
Support Fund.
Please ask the school
for support if you have any questions about your entitlement or application.