Mayor Lutfur Rahman extends school clothing grants

MORE FAMILIES will now be eligible to claim grants to help with the cost of school clothing – and now’s the time to apply. The clothing grants are part of a package of support for families on low income.

The scheme initially offered grants in respect of children starting primary or secondary school. Now, from this September, families with children going into Year 3 or Year 10 can also apply for a grant. Families must have a household income under £60,000 – previously £50,350 – to apply.

The clothing grant is part of a wider package of support for young people in education, which includes:
•Free School Meals for all (up to age 16)
•Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for post-16s in education
•University Bursaries

Mayor Lutfur Rahman

Mayor Lutfur Rahman explained the changes at an event at Kobi Nazrul Primary School on 22nd September, where he met teachers, parents and well-dressed pupils. “By widening eligibility for free school unforms into two more school years, and increasing the income threshold to £60,000, we will help many more families to give their children the best start to the school year,” he said. “Tower Hamlets is blazing a trail when it comes to supporting young people and families. We already offered the best support package in the country, and now we have made it even better.”

Belinda King, Headteacher at Kobi Nazrul Primary School, outlined what the clothing grant means for families of children who come to her school. “The Mayor’s school uniform scheme has made a genuinely meaningful difference to the families in our school community,” she said. “I know our families really well and I see first-hand the difficulties many are facing, so I know that something as simple as providing school uniform can take away a real financial worry.

“For our children, it is about much more than a uniform: it’s a leveller!” she continued. “It means they can come into school feeling proud, comfortable and included, knowing that they look and feel just like their friends. “I’m incredibly grateful for the Tower Hamlets Mayor’s support. Our community is incredibly strong and caring, and schemes like this show families that they are seen, valued and supported.”

Several parents also welcomed the Mayor’s support, such as Afjalur Rahman Patwary, whose children attend Kobi Nazrul. Mohammod Chowdhury from Bethnal Green received the grant for his daughter Latifa, who attends Bonner Primary School. “I am so happy to receive the clothing grant which makes a big difference,” he said. “The grant has already helped our family to buy a school uniform for my daughter as she starts Reception class at her primary school.”

Firdusi Uddin, Head of School at St Pauls Way Trust School, welcomed the grants too. “We are really pleased to see Tower Hamlets continuing to support families through the school clothing grant,” he said. “School uniform plays an important role in fostering community and high expectations. For many parents, the cost of uniform can be a real concern, especially at the start of the school year. This funding will help to ease that pressure and make sure young people can come to school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”

The Government has suggested that Tower Hamlets Council’s partnership work is weak. The partnership between the Council, educationalists, parents and school pupils is working well – with the Council able to be responsive to local needs. Applications can only be made online. The deadline is 31st October, so don’t delay – claim today!

●For more information on how to apply for the school clothing grant, go to:
Tower Hamlets Council School Clothing Gants

●Read more about it:
Island Network celebrates local achievement
Mayor Lutfur Rahman praises school achievement