At Forrester we are committed to improving equity within our school and are constantly seeking to reduce the cost of the school day. We have introduced many new initiatives and programmes, including our school breakfast club, aimed at improving the access to education for all.
Our Pupil Support Officer, Sarah Ross, is able to offer support, advice and assistance with managing any financial issues that may arise during the school year. Assistance is available with Free School Meal applications, Clothing Grants, general financial assistance and Educational Maintenance Allowance. Sarah is also able to direct parents to external services and partners.
The cost of the school day has a significant impact on a families finances and we would encourage families to claim all the supports they are entitled to.
In addition to the support offered by the school, the City of Edinburgh provides an extensive range of support and advice which can be accessed at the following link.
Free School Meals
You can claim free school lunches for your children if you are receiving:
- Universal Credit (monthly earning limit applies)
- Income Support (IS)
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Your child is also entitled to free school lunches if you get:
- Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £18,725
- both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and have an income of up to £8,717
If you are between 16 and 18 years old and receive any of these benefits in your own right, you can claim free school lunches for yourself.
If you are successful in your application each award is valid for one school year and must be reapplied for each year.
The meals award provides a pupil with one free school meal each day they attend school.
In addition to this, the award can provide a school clothing grant of £150 per secondary pupil paid directly to your registered bank account.
If you would like assistance with your application, please email sarah.ross@forrester.edin.sch.uk to an make an appointment with our Pupil Support Officer who will help you with the application.
Please send your application to school.grants@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Educational Maintenance Allowance
Pupils over 16 years old can apply for Educational Maintenance Allowance. You could get a weekly allowance of £30 per week if you attend a school in the City of Edinburgh Council area. Apply online or collect an application from the school reception.
If you have found any of the costs below to be a barrier for your child’s participation at school, or if you are finding it difficult to access the supports you are entitled to, please contact Sarah Ross, in confidence at sarah.ross@forrester.edin.sch.uk or call 0131 334 9262.
School Uniform, Trips, Home Economics and CDT contributions, stationery, bus fares, PE kit, Lunch Times and After-school Clubs.
Sarah can also offer advice regarding housing, one-off grants, support with health and wellbeing, welfare benefits etc.