free xtra benefits???

SuziQ

Ample warning of costs? Yes uniform costs you get 8 weeks notice. Trip costs, no way!

I didn't say ample warning for school trips-I said for school uniform. Don't have a go at me-I actually agreed with you abut the costs of secondary school! One consolation-generally if you are paying such a lot for uniform the school sounds a really good one so worth it in the long run.I would argue you get far more warning of costs than 8 weeks-I wrote down all the schools I was putting on the application form with uniform costs as well and made sure I had the highest amount so that if he got in a different school I would have had the bonus of money left over.You sound like a caring parent,on top of the good school he got into I would imagine he is having a great start.

As for school meals,both my boys absolutely love their school meals-different schools,both with very high standards. I think they are both dreading me getting back into work,as they will be relegated to sarnies again then!

becky004

Titch89 wrote: »

Indeed. That being said, I somehow (in secondary school) got away with a plain jumper.



It was like this at primary school. Whilst there were school jumpers & t-shirts, (with the logo on) we weren't expected to wear them.

Yes you can get away with it, but at a personal cost. My DD was picked on and made fun of because she wasn't wearing the same shirts as her friends. Not because I couldn't afford them but because the stores didn't have them in the right size/colour.
You can get things cheaper but it can affect the child, even if it is easier on the pocket. Parents don't want their children to be singled out and will try theoir best to get what everyone else is wearing.

Kimitatsu

My eldest goes up to secondary school this year, his PE kit which HAD to come from the uniform shop was £70 excluding shorts, socks and the requisite footwear. The rest (apart from his tie and school badge) came from M and S, but by the time I have finished it will have cost me in excess of £300 for uniform, shoes, sports footwear, calcualtor, pens school bag etc. All this before he has even set foot in the school.

I know for a fact that there is a ski trip in year eight at the cost of £1000, they run trips to China, the USA, Australia etc, and they all have to be funded from somewhere. All of this in addition to the extra books, specialist art supplies, DT supplies, text books/dictionaries that they require. My child benefit will be earmarked (and some!) for the rest of his school career so how amyone on benefits can afford it really is beyond me. I do appreciate that if you are on IS you can APPLY to be exempt from the cost and the school cannot discriminate against you, but for many people it is a matter of pride to contribute something. The majority of people who refuse to make a voluntary contribution are usually the ones who are best placed to so so!!!

bridtown

Lovaabargain wrote: »

Have to disagree with you on this one as I work in a secondary school kitchen & we provide very nutricious, balanced meals which are enjoyed by both the pupils and many of the teachers!

Have you actually been in to the school at lunchtimes to see what is on offer or are you just going by what other people have said as it would certainly save you quite a lot per week if your children are entitled to have them for free?

Been into school a few times to look at the dinner it was a interduction for ma kids going full time and hell it was bad like i said i would not give it to my dog ha.

It was nothing like when i was at school they just school serve slop there at this school anyways not sure about any other
It would save me a arm and a leg but not worth the hassel of my kids kicking off and making a fuss

alison999

bridtown wrote: »

It would save me a arm and a leg but not worth the hassel of my kids kicking off and making a fuss

whos the adult/parent in your house?

Louise03

Alison999, I do agree with you, all this kids kicking off & having to have it makes me wonder about the future generation. Having been a working single parent myself, my children were always happy with what they got and were sensitive enough to not want to add extra pressure my making demands.
Also by being individuals and not having to run with the crowd they have grown into very contented young adults.

[Deleted User]

mitchaa wrote: »

Is child benefit not supposed to cover costs of school clothes? If not, what is the child benefit spent on?

As a single parent that i presume is on income support, you already get a whole lot of generous benefits, why the need for more??

Everyone is feeling the credit crunch but im shocked that people require more help than they are already generously given in my opinion.

I say generously as i would presume you live rent and council tax free and get a whole lot of child related income, prescriptions, free school meals and you even get some income for yourself (to pay the bills) as in income support.

Some people just want so much

Sorry to sound negative, but surely better management of your finances would help as many other single mums on IS manage, so the question is, why can't you?

sorry but we are here to help and advise not criticise,personally i find it better if you cant be positive in a reply not to bother typing one:mad:

[Deleted User]

LadyMorticia wrote: »

I remember when I was at primary and secondary school my mum got a bursary for my school uniform as she was on income support at the time. I'm not sure if a lot of schools still do them though as this was 10 years ago.

xx

whilst some local authorities dont now give grants many still do,here its £25 for primary and £35 for secondary,it hasnt increased for at least 12 years,but its better than nowt,also many schools have 2nd hand uniform sales which can be a big help

bridtown

I am the perent but when you see what they serve at schools you would not eat the c**p and would not expect my kids to eat it it's not about spoilet kids it's about been about making sure your kids get the best and not the crap that schools dish out i understand that different schools serve different meals but try my school and free meals just don't do it.

It's amazing that i ask for advice and get slagged off for been a bad perent you people have to look back and think of other people who just carn't manage what other manage and think how lucky you are.

I like to think that as a single dad of 2 i do a good job and don't deserve to battering that i have been dished today my kids get what i didn't get and are happy to be with me than my ex

bridtown

woodbinee

Thanks for ya reply prop the best so far for the advice i seek i will have to contact my locel m.p to see what i can do. i havent seen a second hand sale at my school but i think i mybe heared of such of thing

thanks again