Resources to help parents as children prepare for new school term

4 mins read

Monday 16 August 2021

Tags: education, parent workshop, financial help, back to school, school transport

Costs can be high at this time of the year what with new school uniforms, shoes, bags and stationery. Contact has lots of resources to help.

Take a look at the Turn2Us grants finder tool on our website to find out what charitable grants you might be entitled to in order to help with any extra costs. And before looking for grants, you can use the online benefits calculator on our website to make sure you’re claiming what you’re entitled to. Visit our benefits pages to find out more.

Our guide to Money Matters – England, Scotland and Wales details all the help you’re entitled to if your child is at school. It also covers: money and vouchers for having children; transport; disability and sickness benefits; benefits for working; help with rent, mortgage and council tax; grants and loans; and more.

The Benefits and Tax Credits Frequently Asked Questions tool on our website will also guide you through the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we get asked on our helpline.

Help with school uniforms

In addition to grants and other funds, some local councils have their own schemes to help with the cost of buying new school uniforms. Find out if your local council can help you with the costs of school uniforms. 

Join our free Money Matters workshop for parents

We’re holding a free Money Matters workshop on 24 August. Especially designed for parent carers, this workshop gives an overview of benefits including Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, grants available as well as discounts on utilities, leisure, discounts for carers. It’ll also tell you more about how to access services for support with financial applications, local information and helplines and it will dispel some common myths around benefits. To book your free place please visit our Eventbrite page.

Confused about school transport?

School transport is a big concern for families with disabled children. We hear from many families whose child is clearly eligible for school transport, but they have been refused. And from families whose child has been offered unsuitable transport such as a disabled child who needs close supervision when out in public offered a bus pass to get public transport to school. Take a look at our school transport webpage which explains your rights and entitlements including:

  • Which children are eligible for free school transport
  • What sort of transport can be provided
  • How to apply for school transport
  • How to challenge a school transport decision
  • Your rights post-16

Helping your child settle into a new routine

Take a look at the Back to School collection in our online Fledglings shop packed with everything you need to start the new term in style including sensory school wear, products to help your child’s concentration and toys and aids to help your child express their feelings and emotions.

And if you have a child who is changing schools in September, take at a look at our top tips prepared by a special educational needs teacher and a group of parents to help you navigate changes of school, for example from nursery to primary, or junior to secondary, or if you move and have to start school in another area.

Not got a school or college place confirmed yet?

Our website also has comprehensive information about education and learning for disabled children and young people. And you can also get in touch with our helpline for further advice.

Live in Scotland?

Join us via Zoom on Thursday 19th August 10.30am-11.30am for an informal coffee and chat with our team in Scotland  Just a chance for you to drop by, say hello, talk to other parents and carers and raise any queries you may have with the Scotland team.