Welsh households, including those in the Gwent area, are being asked to verify whether they qualify for assistance with educational expenses as the new academic year approaches.

The School Essentials Grant provides sums ranging from £125 to £200 per pupil, intended to cover uniform purchases, classroom materials, and attire required for extracurricular activities.

Those eligible include parents of youngsters from reception age up to year 11 who are in receipt of particular benefits.

Education and Welsh language minister Anna Brychan commented that August sees many households buying uniforms and other school-related items, and she urged them to determine whether they could access the School Essentials Grant to help with these expenses. Last year, over 86,000 children and teenagers received support through this scheme. She emphasised that families must submit an application to obtain the single payment for the current school year.

The grant awards £125 per pupil, increasing to £200 for children beginning year 7 to account for the heightened expenses associated with commencing secondary education.

Mothers, fathers and guardians can submit their applications via their local council and may claim once for each child during each academic year.

Full details can be found on the GOV.WALES website under the heading Get help with school costs.