Nottinghamshire County Council has confirmed continuation of its discretionary scheme to provide financial support for school clothing and footwear to families facing exceptional circumstances.
The decision, outlined in a report to the Service Director for Education, Learning, and Inclusion, ensures that the most vulnerable families in the region can access essential support for their children’s school uniforms.
The scheme, which has been in place since 2010, offers discretionary payments to families who find themselves in dire situations such as losing clothing due to fires, floods, theft, homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence. While the general school clothing allowance was discontinued in 2010/2011, the Council has retained the discretion to assist families in exceptional circumstances, ensuring that no child is left without the necessary school attire.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the Council has already paid out £1,010 in claims, reflecting an increase in the number of families seeking support. The Council’s commitment to this scheme underscores its dedication to supporting vulnerable families, particularly in times of crisis.
In June 2023, the Select Committee recommended increasing the annual budget for exceptional payments from £500 to £1,000, a recommendation that was approved by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families on 17 July 2023. This increase reflects the growing need for support among families in Nottinghamshire.
The Council has proposed a consistent and fair approach to determining the amount of allowances paid under the scheme. For the 2025-26 financial year, the maximum allowance will remain at £50 per qualifying pupil, with primary age children eligible for 50% of the full allowance (£25) and secondary age children eligible for 70% (£35). Each case is assessed individually, with families facing the most severe circumstances, such as losing all clothing in a house fire, considered for the full £50 allowance.
The Council’s decision is in line with statutory guidance from the Department for Education, which requires schools to ensure that uniforms are affordable and that branded items are kept to a minimum. The scheme also aligns with the Education Act 1996 and the Local Government Act 2000, which mandate that local authorities consider requests for assistance from families in exceptional circumstances.
The existing budget for school clothing and footwear allowances is £1,000 per annum, with the current forecast for 2024/25 standing at approximately £1,060. Any overspend can be contained within the overall Education, Learning, and Skills budget of £6.6 million.
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