Single parent summer holiday support

Help buying food

If you are on a low income and receiving free school meals for your child or children, you should receive a payment from your local council. Each local council pays a different amount and the payment is usually paid directly into your bank account. More information can be found here.

If you need more help with food, you could try your local foodbank, or you could register with your local pantry.

Help buying school clothes

You may be able to get financial help to pay for your child’s school clothing and shoes. This help is called a ‘school clothing grant’ and is normally paid directly into your bank account. You apply to your local council.

Eligibility and the amount of money you receive depend on your local council. Everybody who receives a school clothing grant will receive at least:

• £120 per child of primary school age
• £150 per child of secondary school age

If you want to find out if you are entitled to the school uniform grant, please get in touch with us or contact your council directly.

Get in touch with us for a full benefit check to make sure you are receiving the correct benefits.

You can also access second hand uniforms through school uniform and clothing banks and you can buy pre-loved uniforms via ApparelExchange. It’s also worth contacting your local school, as many run their own uniform exchange programs.

Childcare options

There are different childcare options available depending on where you live and how old your children are. These include:

• Private nurseries
• Nannies
• Out of School care
• Childminders

Make sure that childcare providers are registered with the Care Inspectorate.

You can claim up to 85% of your childcare costs through your Universal Credit journal. If you are struggling with upfront payments, you can contact our Edinburgh childcare connector service or our Dundee childcare connector service for advice.

Activities

Most local authorities in Scotland offer some free activities as well as lunches and snacks for children. Each council area offers different activities depending on where you live, and these may need to be booked in advance.

Scotland

• Visit Scotland have some suggestions of free places to visit in Scotland.

Edinburgh

• Holiday support and clubs for children with ASN in Edinburgh and the Lothians
• Edinburgh city council has a list of local summer activities which updates closer to the holidays

Glasgow

• Watch the Glasgow Commonwealth games at Kelvingrove Park (23 July – 2 August)
• Find out about the summer of fun activities in Glasgow

• There is a range of activities for families in Glasgow, see the timetable below.

Travel

Under 22s go free on buses in Scotland, and children aged 5 to 15 can travel for £1 on Scotrail trains with an adult.