The Purpose of the Scheme is to provide grant assistance to families on low incomes for the purchase of:
- School uniform including coats and shoes;
- School sports kit including footwear;
- IT Equipment: laptop and tablets ONLY (PDG Access should only be used in a limited situation, where a school is unable to loan equipment to the family);
- Uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to, scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts or dance;
- Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery;
- Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology; and
- Equipment for out of school hour’s trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs.
The Funding is available to pupils who are eligible for free school meals:
- Entering Reception in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 1 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 2 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 3 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 4 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 5 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 6 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 7 in September 2022 at a rate of £300;
- Entering Year 8 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 9 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 10 in September 2022 at a rate of £225;
- Entering Year 11 in September 2022 at a rate of £225; or
- Learners in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units who are aged 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 in September 2022.
The Funding is also available to all children looked after of compulsory school age. The local authority in which the child looked after attends school is responsible for the grant.
Pupils who receive Free School Meals due to transitional protection arrangements (pupils in receipt of protected free school meals as they do not currently meet the eligibility criteria) do not qualify for this funding.
Please note that PDG Access awards are usually issued at a rate of £125 or £200 (Year 7), this has been increased for 22-23 only to £225 or £300 (Year 7).
The scheme for the 2022/23 academic year will begin on 1st July 2022 and end on 30th June 2023.
Only one claim is allowed per learner, per academic year.
Your school will contact you to advise of eligibility and the application process.
Please ensure to enter the unique key code as PDG22 followed by 5 numerical digits (PDG22*****).