Child poverty rates in Scotland are high and rising – almost 1 in 4 children in Scotland live in poverty.
This affects their health, wellbeing, attainment and their ability to access education – for example, it is harder for children to concentrate in class if they have not eaten properly or are worried about money.
Increased family income is directly associated with improved cognitive development and school achievement. Helping families to minimise costs and maximise their incomes can help to support children’s attainment at school.
There are grants and allowances available to families such as free school meals, school clothing grants and Education Maintenance Allowance (young people aged 16+)
Free School Meals and Clothing Grants:
Your child may be entitle to free school meals or a clothing grant to help support towards the cost of uniform. These grants are confidential
Follow the link to find out if you qualify for free school meals and clothing grants.
https://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
Applications for the new academic year (2021/22) are available now.
| Will I qualify? | Clothing grant |
Free school meals |
| Employment and Support Allowance (Income related) | Yes | Yes |
| Income Support | Yes | Yes |
| Job Seekers Allowance (Income based) | Yes | Yes |
| Child Tax Credit only with a gross annual household income of less than £16,105 for 2020/21 | Yes | Yes |
| Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with a gross annual household income of up to £7,500 for 2020/21 | Yes | Yes |
| Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with a gross annual household income of below £16,105 but above £7,500 for 2020/21 | Yes | No |
| Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 | Yes | Yes |
| Housing benefit | Yes | No |
| Universal Credit – where your maximum monthly earned income from employment does not exceed £625 | Yes | Yes |
| Council tax reduction | Yes` | No |
Uniform is also available through the Back to Schoolbank East Renfrewshire detailed below and there is also a small selection available through the school. Please speak to your child’s Pastoral Support Teacher for more details.
EMA:
We would like to bring to your attention the EMA which senior pupils may be entitled to receive.
An Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly allowance of £30 paid to support young people in education beyond the statutory school leaving age of 16.
The entitlement to an EMA is dependent on household income as well as further criteria relating to attendance at school.
Details of the eligibility as well as the application form is available via this link
https://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/ema
ERC have requested that pupils print the form and either return by post to the council offices or photograph the completed form and email their application, as well as the relevant documents, to ema@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Do you qualify for EMA?
You qualify for an EMA for the 2021/22 school year if:
- your birthday is between 1 March 2002 and 28 February 2006
- you go to an East Renfrewshire school
- you study involves at least 21 hours of guided learning a week
- you sign a learning agreement with your school
- your household income is within the agreed government levels
Household income levels
| Income | Dependent children | EMA amount per child |
| 0 – £24,421 | 1 | £30 |
| 0 – £26,884 | 2+ | £30 |
Applications can be found in the Pastoral support base and more information is available
Period Poverty: A survey of more than 2,000 people by Young Scot found that about one in four respondents at school, college or university in Scotland had struggled to access sanitary products. As a result, the Scottish Government have made an investment to make sure essential products will be available to those who need them in a sensitive and dignified way, which will make it easier for students to fully focus on their studies. Free sanatory products are available in the female toilets and changing facilities for pupils to take. Pupils can also see Mrs Wilson, Mrs McCrea or the school office if they require more supplies for weekends and holidays.
Co-curricular clubs: At St Ninian’s High School, there is no cost for co-curricular clubs. We value the importance of taking part in co-curricular activities and believe these clubs should be accessible to all. There is a wide range of clubs to choose from: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/er/StNinians/co-curricular/
Supporting Pupils to Study
Supported Study: During the academic year, the supported study offered by departments is available at no cost for students. Sessions are available during lunch or afterschool. Pupils should speak to their teacher to find out what sessions are available. Teachers are always willing to give support to our students when required.
Learn to Learn: Senior students have received a free copy of the Learn to Learn study guide which is designed to support students to develop effective study techniques.
Free School Transport:
Your child may be entitle to free school transport.
Secondary school pupils
Distance pupil lives from catchment secondary school:
- 3 miles away or more
- 2 miles away or more and gets both a clothing grant and free school meals (in agreement with qualifying benefits)
ERC check the distance by the shortest safe walking route.
When to apply
You should apply when your child starts primary or secondary school.
For any other time, apply 4 weeks before you need transport.
Information on the eligibility and the application process can be found here:
https://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/free-school-transport
Free Money advice from the Money Advice and Rights Team at East Renfrewshire council:
MART provide free, expert and confidential advice about debt, benefits and appeals. They can also help with Universal Credit and income maximisation.
https://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/money
