PARENTS in Argyll and Bute are being invited to find out whether or not they are eligible for a school clothing grant and free school meals for their child ahead of the new terms.

Since 2015, all pupils in primaries one to three are entitled to a free school meal, however, children in primary four and above need to pay unless their parents meet the criteria set out by the Scottish Government.

School clothing grants are also available for parents who get specific benefits.

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For free school meals, parents must receive Income Support; Income Based Job Seekers Allowance; income related Employment and Support Allowance; Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit; Universal Credit; and/or support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

To qualify for a clothing grant, parents must be in receipt of at least one of the following: Income Support; Income Based Job Seekers Allowance; Income related Employment and Support Allowance; Council Tax or Housing Benefit; Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit; Universal Credit.

For further information, and to apply for either of these grants, visit argyll-bute.gov.uk/education-and-learning/childcare-school-and-education-grants-0.

The new school term in Argyll and Bute begins on August 11 for staff and August 12 for pupils.

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