'HAVING A JOB IS NOT ENOUGH' TO PAY FOR UNIFORM

A WORKING mum of three has told how the cost-of-living crisis has left her unable to afford a school uniform without help from a grant.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education editor

Gemma Williams, from Cardiff, said the cost of living “is through the roof” and “daily life is hard at the moment”.

She is urging others to apply for the grant, which is worth up to £200 a year per child for those who are eligible.

Gemma's children, aged six, 10 and 11, attend Bryn Celyn Primary in the Pentywn area of Cardiff where 65% of pupils are eligible for the Welsh Government's school essentials grant.

The primary already helps struggling parents with food and energy bank vouchers and has just opened a pay-what-you-can-afford food shop.

Head teacher Liz Berry said some families are struggling with the cost of living soaring.

Miss Berry is urging families to apply for help with school costs, too. She said the cost-of-living crisis was still very much affecting families and school costs on top of other spiralling bills can be an added worry.

Miss Berry said people should check whether they are eligible and apply for the Welsh Government's school essentials grant through their local education authority.

The grant has an added benefit that extra cash also goes to the child's school.

If pupils are given the grant, their school is then also allocated greater funding to support them, which also helps their education.