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Single Parent FAQs: Back to School – Issue 32

15/08/2024

Our advice and information team who work on our Lone Parent Helpline, webchat and Ask a Question feature, receive questions from single parents from across Scotland every day.

Take a look at the answers to the most frequently asked questions on going back to shcool.

My daughter is turning 3. When should I register her for nursery?

Each local authority has slightly different dates for registering children for nursery – usually around January or February before the child turns 3, so you are best getting in touch with your local council to find out more. More info can be found here.

My son is 4 and will be 5 next year. When and how do I register him for school?

Every local authority has their own application form for registering your child at primary school and this is usually done around January or February in the year your child is starting school. More info on registering your child at school can be found here.

My daughter is starting school soon. Is there any help I can get to pay for her school lunches? I have just lost my job.

We can do a benefit check for you and see what you may be entitled to.  We can also check if you would be entitled to free school meals and explain how you can apply for these. You can get in touch with us through our helpline, webchat or you can email us.

What help is available to pay for school uniforms?

You may be entitled to school uniform grant depending on your circumstances, if you are unable to claim a uniform grant, there are uniform banks that may be able to help. Get in touch with us for more information.

The school uniform grant is usually paid into my account, but I haven’t received it yet. Do you know why?

You are best getting in touch with the council that you applied. They will be able to give you an explanation as to why you have not received the grant yet.

My daughter is due to go on a school trip this year, but I can't afford to pay for this. Is there any help available?

Get in touch with the school and see if there are any reductions due to your income. You can also check the Turn2us website  to see if there are any grants you could apply to for. Schools also sometimes fundraise to help lower the cost of trips. It might be worth getting in touch with us to get a benefit check done to ensure you are receiving everything you are entitled to claim for yourself and your children.

Schools go back soon and I’m worried because a lot of the time my son just refuses to go. What should I do?

This is so hard and upsetting for you and your children. Get in touch with the school and see what support they can offer and explain the circumstances. Parentclub have some useful tips about children refusing to go to school.

I am worried about my youngest starting school. One of my other children had to move school 3 times because of bullying. Do you have any advice?

That must have been very upsetting for you and your child. Get in touch with the school and find out what their bullying policy is, and speak to other parents about this to try and put your mind at ease. You can then speak to your child about what to do if this happens. More tips on supporting children with their emotions can be found on our My Life and Me site, which is full of advice to support parents and children with their mental health and wellbeing.

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