Here you will find information on financial assistance to help cut the Cost of the School Day.
Money Matters Advice Service
The Money Matters Advice Service is a free and confidential service that helps people living in South Lanarkshire or working for South Lanarkshire Council claim benefits and deal with debt.
We can give you free unbiased advice on a range of benefit and debt issues and will work with you by discussing all your options and come up with a plan together. We can help with:
- the cost-of-living crisis including advice on energy arrears
- gas and electricity top up vouchers
- debt advice including mortgage and rent arrears and dealing with creditors
- benefits advice
- budgeting
- https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/mmas
Uniform
We do not require the school badge on any uniform items.
We have a large stock of pre-loved uniform in good condition which is available to anyone with no cost.
We have a large stock of pre-loved coats which are available to anyone with no cost.
All children are supplied with a school tie, both to start Wester Overton, and as they move on to secondary school.
Trips & Events
All day trips at Wester Overton are free with the school covering the cost of transport, workshops and entry fees.
The Primary 7 residential trip is subsidised by the school, who cover the cost of transport and any additional costs e.g. snacks. The cost of the trip is paid over 10 months.
The pantomime visit to the theatre is free.
Our Coffee and Carols evening is free.
Swimming is free, with the school covering the cost of both lessons and transport.
All sports festivals are free, with the school covering the cost of transport, equipment and entry fees.
The Primary 7 Leavers Event is free, with the school covering the cost of the hall, DJ, photobooth and catering.
We do not have a traditional Christmas Fair. Items are offered online with families choosing how many items to opt into without the pressure of attending a Christmas Fair.
We do not allow children to take spending money on any trips.
Fundraising
We support 2 charities each year. For Macmillan Cancer Support we have a coffee morning, and we do food collections throughout the year for the local foodbank.
We do one school fundraiser, which takes place in the Christmas term. This involves families opting into any items they wish to support e.g. raffle, sponsoring the Santa Dash, group photos, crafts etc. All payments are online and optional. Children do not bring money to school.
Non Uniform Events
These take place once a term and are also free. Children can also come wearing uniform on these days and are not obliged to dress down.
Equipment
All equipment required for school e.g. stationery, craft supplies is supplied by the school.
We run a bicycle recycling scheme to allow every P5 and P6 to take part in Bikeability training.
Clubs and Activities
All clubs are free. All costs for instructors, equipment and activities are covered by the school.
Breakfast Club
We operate a free breakfast club daily from 8.15am which is open to all children. Please contact the school for more details on how to book in.
Clothing grants and free school meals
If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction from South Lanarkshire Council and you have a child who attends a school in South Lanarkshire, there is no need for you to apply online. We will use the information we hold to automatically award free school meals and/or school clothing grants to eligible families.
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/FreeSchoolMeals
Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family. It’s a weekly payment of £26.70 that you can get for every child you look after who’s under 16 years of age. You’ll get the payment every 4 weeks if your application is successful.
Scottish Child Payment is one of the 5 family payments you may be able to get from Social Security Scotland, along with Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.
It’s up to you what you choose to spend the money on.
Best Start Payments
School Age Payment is a payment of £314.45 per child. It helps with the costs of preparing for school when your child is first old enough to start primary school.
You can get the payment for multiple children, as long as each child is the right age when you apply.
https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods
Citizens Advice Bureau
Through this website you can find online information and advice on benefits and funds that you may be entitled to, and other ways to save money on your outgoings.
https://www.ekcab.org.uk/
Please click on the link below to access our Cost of the School Day Policy.
Cost of the School Day Position Statement WOPS 2024
