Glasgow

1. Free School Meals and Clothing Grants

The Glasgow City Council provides free school meals and clothing grants to eligible families to ensure children have access to nutritious meals and appropriate school uniforms.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Families must meet specific income thresholds or be in receipt of certain benefits, such as:
  • Universal Credit (with a monthly earned income of £660 or less)
  • Income Support
  • Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Child Tax Credit (with an annual income of £17,005 or less)
  • Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit (with an annual income of £7,920 or less)
  • Asylum seekers receiving support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Costs:

• Free for eligible families.

Application Procedure:

1. Applications can be made online through the Glasgow City Council website.
2. Supporting documents (e.g., proof of benefits or income) may be required.
3. Applications are typically processed within a few weeks, and successful applicants will be notified.

Local Considerations:

• All children in Primary 1 to Primary 5 automatically receive free school meals, regardless of income.
• Clothing grants are paid directly to the applicant’s bank account.

---

2. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

The EMA is a financial support program for young people aged 16-19 who are staying in education after the school leaving age.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students must be aged 16-19 and attending a school or college in Glasgow.
• Household income must meet the following thresholds:
  • £24,421 or less (for households with one dependent child)
  • £26,884 or less (for households with more than one dependent child)
• Students must meet attendance and performance requirements set by their school or college.

Costs:

• Free to apply.
• Eligible students receive £30 per week during term time.

Application Procedure:

1. Download the EMA application form from the Glasgow City Council website or collect it from your school/college.
2. Submit the completed form along with proof of household income.
3. Payments are made directly to the student’s bank account.

Local Considerations:

• Applications should be submitted as early as possible to avoid delays in payments.
• Students must sign a learning agreement with their school or college.

---

3. Additional Support for Learning (ASL)

Glasgow provides tailored support for children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) to ensure they can fully participate in education.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Children with physical, learning, emotional, or social needs, including those who:
  • Have a disability.
  • Are learning English as an additional language.
  • Are young carers.
  • Have experienced trauma or disruption (e.g., refugees or asylum seekers).

Costs:

• Free for all eligible children.

Application Procedure:

1. Parents or guardians should contact their child’s school to discuss their needs.
2. Schools will assess the child’s requirements and create an Additional Support Plan (ASP) if necessary.
3. In some cases, external agencies (e.g., educational psychologists) may be involved.

Local Considerations:

• Glasgow City Council has a dedicated ASL team to support families.
• Schools often work closely with parents to ensure the child’s needs are met.

---

4. Early Learning and Childcare (Free Hours)

The Scottish Government provides free early learning and childcare for children aged 3-4 years and eligible 2-year-olds.

Eligibility Criteria:

• All 3- and 4-year-olds are eligible.
• Some 2-year-olds are eligible if their family receives certain benefits, such as:
  • Income Support
  • Universal Credit (with a monthly earned income of £660 or less)
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Child Tax Credit (with an annual income of £17,005 or less)

Costs:

• Free for eligible children (up to 1,140 hours per year, equivalent to 30 hours per week during term time).

Application Procedure:

1. Contact your local nursery or early learning center to apply.
2. Provide proof of your child’s age and your eligibility (if applying for a 2-year-old).
3. Places are allocated based on availability, so early application is recommended.

Local Considerations:

• Glasgow has a wide range of nurseries and early learning centers, including Gaelic-medium options.
• Some nurseries offer flexible hours to accommodate working parents.

---

5. Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Glasgow is a designated dispersal city for asylum seekers and provides additional educational support for children and young people in this group.

Programs Available:

• English as an Additional Language (EAL) support in schools.
• Access to interpreters and translation services for parents.
• Tailored support for children who have experienced trauma.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Refugee or asylum-seeking status.

Costs:

• Free.

Application Procedure:

1. Refugee and asylum-seeking families are typically referred to local schools by the Home Office or support organizations.
2. Schools will assess the child’s needs and provide appropriate support.

Local Considerations:

• Glasgow has a strong network of community organizations, such as the Scottish Refugee Council, that can provide additional guidance and support.

---

6. Local Resources and Support Organizations

In addition to government programs, several local organizations in Glasgow provide education-related support:

• One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS): Offers advice and financial support for single parents.
• Glasgow Life: Provides free access to libraries, learning centers, and digital skills training.
• The Prince’s Trust: Supports young people aged 11-30 with education, training, and employment opportunities.
• Bridges Programmes: Helps refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants integrate into education and employment.

---

7. How to Access Information and Apply

• Visit the Glasgow City Council website for detailed information and application forms: www.glasgow.gov.uk.
• Contact your child’s school or local nursery for guidance on specific programs.
• Reach out to local community organizations for additional support.

---

Final Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

• Ensure you have all necessary documentation, such as proof of income, immigration status, and your child’s age, when applying for benefits.
• If English is not your first language, request translation or interpretation services from schools or local organizations.
• Take advantage of free resources like libraries and community centers to support your child’s education.

By leveraging these programs and resources, families in Glasgow can access the support they need to ensure their children thrive in the education system.