Cost of the School Day

Talking about money can be difficult. Not talking about money may mean missing out on help available and may cause stress and feelings of loneliness if you feel unable to talk about money when struggling with costs. It may also affect how young people feel at school. We want every family at Braes to know support is available to reduce the cost of the school day and to help maximise income for families. Our Cost of the School Day section of the school website is full of helpful information about financial support available and how to access support including email links to get in touch. We want to make sure every Braes family feels part of our school community and that every young person has the same opportunity to reach their potential for excellence at Braes."

As part of our work on reducing the Cost of the School Day Braes is featured as a Case Study in Child Poverty Action Group's latest resource "Talking about Costs and Money at School". You can read and watch more here:

Cost of the School Day
Cost of the School Day

SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT

A change is being made to the Scottish Child Payment. From the 14th on November this payment will increase from £20 to £25 per week and will be made available for eligible children under the age of 16.

To get the Scottish Child Payment (for children under 16) you must live in Scotland. Either you or your partner must be responsible for a child under 16 from the 14th November 2022.
You or your partner must also get one of the following benefits:
• Child Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Job Seeker's Allowance (income based)
• Employment Support Allowance (income related)
If you would like help to apply please email here (and link to emma.taylor@falkirk.gov.uk)
Thanks,
Emma.

Cost of the School Day

Braes Backpacks

Braes Backpacks are available to all new S1 pupils and will be provided before the start of the new school year. These backpacks have been put together by our Senior pupils and contain everything you need for a positive start at Braes, including some helpful advice from our S6 Leavers.

If you would like to sign up for a Braes Backpack email HERE

Cost of the School Day

FAB Uniform Exchange

Our parents group, Friends at Braes, run a successful uniform exchange in school. If your child requires any item of school uniform, there is a room full of freshly laundered clothing available. This is a confidential service and you can request items by emailing HERE

Extra-Curricular events, Trips, etc.
Braes Onwards & Upwards programme has Pupil Equity Funding available from the Scottish Government to support families with the cost of school. If you are struggling to meet the ever increasing costs of your child's uniform, trips, extra-curricular activities etc. you can request support for Funding from the Onwards & Upwards programme by emailing HERE

If you would like support funding a trip please email HERE

If you would like support with the cost of items required for a specific subject email HERE

Pop-Up Shops
As part of our programme to reduce, reuse and recycle at Braes we have recently introduced clothing pop-up shops. These events provide FREE and high quality clothing for pupils and their families. You can view our items for our latest pop-up shop HERE

If you would like support with non-uniform clothing items please email HERE

Cost of the School Day
Cost of the School Day

Breakfast Club
Our award-winning Breakfast Club is open to all pupils every Wednesday and Friday. Pupils entitled to FSM are also able to get a free breakfast.
For help with breakfast club please email HERE

Digital Learning
We have a limited number of digital devices available for our young people to use to support Home Learning. These devices are available to young people as part of our Onwards & Upwards programme.
If you would like more information on this programme please email HERE

Free School Meals
Falkirk Council can provide Free School Meals, and payment towards the cost of school clothing and footwear (clothing grants) to the value of £120.00 per child/per year.
To be eligible, you should normally be resident in the Falkirk Council area and your child(ren) must attend any primary, special or secondary school managed by Falkirk Council. Payments may also be made where pupils are attending schools outside the area in limited circumstances.
If you would like more information on whether or not you can apply for Free Meal Entitlement please click HERE

EMA
EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 which you may be able to get if you are:
• aged 16 to 19
• attend a Falkirk school, or
• work under an Activity Agreement
If you attend Forth Valley College, you'll need to contact them to apply.
You'll need to meet the terms of your Learning Agreement, and will usually only get EMA for a week where you have 100% attendance.
Check if you are eligible by visiting the EMA Scotland website.

If you would like help to apply for EMA please email HERE

If you would like support to apply for FME, Clothing Grant or an EMA please click HERE

Income Maximisation Officer
From Wednesday 15th September we will be working with an Income Maximisation Officer from Falkirk Citizens Advice Bureau. Our IMO is available to meet with Parents/Carers to maximise income and ensure families receive all benefits they are entitled to. Appointments will take place online. Should you need access to a device for your appointment you can come into school or you can login from home if preferred. If you would like to make an appointment please contact: HERE

Please get in touch to let us know how we can best support your family and ensure your young person has what they need to succeed at Braes.