Please be aware that the Child Psychology Parent Drop In Service within the Renfrew YMCA will be closing on the 15th December 2021 until 12th of January 2022.

We’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused but public safety is our priority while we are still in a pandemic situation. We’ve worked closely with Renfrewshire Council Health and Safety service and the Head Teacher at Park Mains High School and, in line with recent Covid-19 advice, we are all in agreement that this is the best course of action.

Any applications submitted will still be processed and virtual interviews will take place as soon as possible. New applications are still being accepted through the MyJobScotland website (https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/renfrewshire-council/jobs).

A new date will be confirmed in due course. We apologise again for any disappointment.

By Friday 17 December, Renfrewshire Council will make two payments to parents and carers of primary-school children who are entitled to a free school meal on the basis of low income.

The first payment of £160 per child is part of the Scottish Government extending the Scottish Child Payment to children aged six to 16.

The second payment of £22.50 per child is in place of free school meals over the Christmas break.

That means a total of £182.50 will be paid into bank accounts in December.

These payments will only be made to parents of children eligible to receive a free school meal on the basis of low income.

Children who receive a universal school meal (those in P1, P2, P3 and P4) will only receive a payment if:

• your child is entitled to receive a free school meal on the basis of low income;
• you have applied for free school meals.

If you have already applied for free school meals this school year (August 2021 to June 2022), you do not need to apply again.

If you haven’t applied for free school meals, you can do so now using the MyAccount form on the council’s website. You can also check if you qualify to apply. See free school meals payments during school holidays for more information.

Nursery children are not eligible for a payment because they are already entitled to the Scottish Child Payment.  You can apply for additional benefits on the Social Security Scotland website, including:

• Scottish Child Payment – a four-weekly payment to help with costs for children under six (for qualifying parents and carers);
• Best Start Grant – a one-off payment for children between two and three and a half years old (for families with certain benefits).

You can also speak to our helpful  Advice Works team who can give you free and confidential help and support on debt, money and other worries you may have.  Search ‘Advice Works‘ on our website.