AFFORDABLE SCHOOLS
Cost of Living Information and Support for Parents and Carers
At Harnham Junior School, we know that the rising cost of living can put real pressure on family budgets. Essentials such as food, heating, and fuel have all gone up in price, and for many families this can make it harder to cover the extra costs that come with school life.
We understand that it can feel upsetting when children are unable to take part in activities in the way they would like to because of money worries. Our priority is that every child at Harnham Junior feels included, confident, and able to participate fully in school life. We are committed to keeping school as affordable as possible for all families and to helping you find any additional support you may need.
Getting help
We know it’s not always easy to talk about money. Many people try to manage on their own until things feel overwhelming. Please remember that you do not need to wait until the situation becomes very difficult before reaching out - asking for support is nothing to be ashamed of.
Any conversations you have with us will be handled with sensitivity and in confidence.
If you would like to talk through any concerns, please contact our Family Support Advisor, Sarah Gorringe, who is here to listen and help. You can reach Sarah by emailing sarah.gorringe@harnham-jun.wilts.sch.uk or by speaking to her directly at school.
Together, we will do our best to make sure your child can access everything on offer at Harnham Junior School, without money worries getting in the way.
Helpful Links
Local support
There are also many sources of support from both local and national organisations. Here are some key agencies that we recommend:
Advicelocal - find local advice services in your area
Interactive Community Directory - Wiltshire Council
Council tax, benefits and financial support - Wiltshire Council
Energy costs advice and guidance - Wiltshire Council
Housing information and support - Wiltshire Council
Mental Health support - Wiltshire Council
Local practical help - Wiltshire Council
Supporting businesses through the rising cost of living - Wiltshire Council
National Advice and Information Support Services
Search for your local Citizens Advice - Citizens Advice - free, independent and confidential financial advice
Benefits Calculator - to make sure families are getting the support they are entitled to
Benefits | MoneyHelper - Government website offering comprehensive guidance on all aspects of money, benefits, debt and investments.
Money Saving Expert: Energy Help, Credit Cards, Flight Delays, Shopping and more
Get help from Shelter - Shelter England - free support from expert housing advisers
BBC i-player: There are lots of money-related tips on this programme on BBC i-player. You can listen any time. Topics have included surviving debt, tips for rented housing, coping with cost of living rises, avoiding scams and fraud calls, applying for benefits and much more.
NHS Low Income Scheme | NHSBSA - If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help depending on your weekly income and necessary outgoings, plus any savings or investments you have at the time you apply
Energy saving tips to save money - Help for Households to help reduce bills
Support for your family and school
Parents can claim ‘Pupil Premium’ support for children (referred to as Free School Meals FSM) if you are in receipt of any of the following benefits:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit - if applying on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax & not including any benefits you get)
This entitles your child to free school meals, beyond EYFS and KS1 where this provision is universal, as well as a wide range of additional support for your child (academic, cost of the school day support and wellbeing)
Information for parents about access and benefits of claiming FSM can be found at: Free school meals - Wiltshire Council
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme. Food vouchers may also be available through the Household Support Fund.
Please ask the school for support if you have any questions about your entitlement or application. Enquiries can be sent to sarah.gorringe@harnham-jun.wilts.sch.uk.