Cost of Living Crisis
At Gargieston Primary School and ECC we are aware of the current cost of living crisis, and the impact this may be having on our families.
Recycle and Reused Uniforms
If you would like to donate any uniform that your child no longer has use for but is in good condition and could be used by another family, please hand any items into the school office. All donations would be gratefully received.
Items of school uniforms and lost property that has not been collected will be available at Parent’s Night.
Pre-loved Halloween Costumes and Christmas Jumpers
In the run up to Halloween and Christmas, donations of pre-loved Halloween costumes and Christmas jumpers are gratefully received. If you have costumes or jumpers that are no longer in use, please hand them into the school office.
Please ask a member of staff in the office for further information.
Period Poverty
Supplies are available in the upper school girls toilet, disabled toilet and visitor toilets for anyone who wishes to take them.
Stay Period Protected – Community Provision
Residents can now receive free period products by filling out an online form at https://eastayrshi.re/FSP or alternatively, the products can be ordered by phone, 01563 554400.
Further Information and Support
Please see further advice and supports below.
Free School Meals/ Clothing Grants
Information on how to apply for Free School Meals and clothing grants can be found below: Free School Meals and Clothing Grants
Financial Inclusion Blog
A cost of living website and Financial Inclusion blog is available at:http://gov.scot/costoflivingsupport Useful information for parents and carers can also be found at: Financial Information | Parent Health and Wellbeing Information Site (glowscotland.org.uk)
Scottish Child Payment – Extended to children under 16
Social Security Scotland have extended the age limit from under 6 years of age to under 16 year for Scottish Child Payment.
New claims can be made from Monday 14th November 2022 for children who will now fall into this extended age range.
Payment will also be increased for each child to £25 per week.
Please click the links below for further information.
Scottish Child Payment Extended to Children Under 16
Scottish Child Payment Information
To apply please visit: https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment/how-to-apply
Financial Support for Families and Young People
The following links provide details of the different supports available from East Ayrshire Council. This includes links to a variety of grants and information regarding employment services, public wifi, and how to access free sanitary products.
Best Start Grant School Age Payment
Turn2Us
The website https://www.turn2us.org.uk is a useful tool to see what support you may be entitled to. From support with cost of living, to seeing what financial support you could be entitled to, Turn2Us is a national charity who can provide financial help and signposting to grants, benefits and funds.
Use the benefit calculator, grant search or contact them directly for support through their helpline.
Scottish Child Bridging Payment
All children and young people who receive free school meals on the basis of low income or on local authority discretion to promote wellbeing are eligible Scottish Child Bridging Payment
Scottish Welfare Fund
https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund
Five Family Payments
If you are getting tax credits or certain benefits, you could be entitled to five family payments. Click here for more information.
Support with Energy Payments
Lemon Aid Fuel Poverty services specialise in advising and helping customers reduce costs and offer the following advice on some energy issues that households commonly face. You can find out more using the link below: Lemonaid
Citizens’ Advice
Citizens’ Advice offer a great tool to help you look at increasing your income by checking you are claiming everything you are entitled to, reducing your bills and easing the cost of daily living. https://moneymap.scot/
Food Provision
Information about your local food community sites can be found below: Community Food Provision Sites
