Support for families

When you have children in school, it can all add up. You may be entitled to financial help with school essentials, to stop money getting in the way of your child’s education. Below, we can help you claim what’s yours.

Free School Meals

All primary-aged pupils are receive free school meals in the Vale of Glamorgan. For secondary school-aged pupils, please check if you are eligible.

Financial help for new parents

Information on the financial help parents and carers may be eligible to receive.

School uniform swap shops

Some schools in the Vale of Glamorgan offer uniform swap shops. Donate old school uniform you no longer need, and swap it for it for different sizes or items free of charge. You can check directly with your school to find out if they offer a swap shop. View a list of schools in the Vale of Glamorgan.

School Essentials - Pupil Development Grant

Claim what’s yours: If your child already gets free school meals, there could be more help available for School Essentials. A Pupil Development Grant is available to assist families on a low income to buy school uniform and equipment.

Baby Basics

Baby Basics is a volunteer-led project aiming to support new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby. This is a referral only scheme, please contact your Midwife or Health Visitor.

Flying Start

Flying Start supports families to give children the best start in life. Their support starts from pregnancy and into the first few years of your child's life. Use the postcode checker to check your catchment area.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Find out how to apply for EMA, a payment for 16 to 18 year olds living in Wales, who want to continue their education after school leaving age.

Help with childcare costs

Information on what support is available to help parents and carers with the cost of childcare.

Sports and Play Opportunities

The Healthy Living Team work with a range of partners to create new and develop existing play, sports and physical activity opportunities for residents of all ages. From play development to free kit bag loans, there are a number of cost effective activties for children and families.

Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale - Schools Family Advice South Wales

If you have school-aged children (ages 3-16) or children aged 16-18 who are in full-time non-advanced education and need some advice, please reach out to Citizens Advice Cardiff and Vale today. You can call 02921 111272 or email Moondance@cacv.org.uk or visit their website and make an online self-referral:

Citizens Advice - Schools and Family Advice South Wales

Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale provides free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of areas, including:

Income maximisation (identifying unclaimed benefits, supporting grant applications)
Help with benefit applications and appeals
Access to emergency financial support (fuel vouchers, food bank referrals)
Managing problem debt and preventing financial crises
Housing rights advice (tenancy support, preventing evictions, ensuring safe living conditions