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Key contacts

Schools

Telephone: 0845 603 2200

0845 calls to Essex County Council are charged at BT landline standard rate. Please check with your provider as other tariffs may vary.

Uniform grants

In exceptional circumstances, an award will be made for a school uniform grant (secondary) or a clothing allowance (primary).  You should also consider other forms of financial support. 

Eligibility 

  • The child for whom an application is made, must be attending an Essex maintained primary or secondary school
  • You, the parent or carer, must be able to demonstrate both exceptional circumstances and low income
 
You may be eligible for a clothing grant if you meet one of these criteria in addition to demonstrating low income:
  • Enforced re-housing and an associated move of school
  • Parent and children in a refuge necessitating a change of school
  • Enforced move of school through bullying, generally with evidence of physical harm
  • Exceptional circumstances requiring the replacement of uniform or the need for additional clothing
 
In addition, you must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
  • Income Support
  • Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Job Seekers Allowance (income based)
  • Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, with an annual income of less than £16,190
  • The Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit
     

How to apply

For an application form, please contact the Education Transport and Awards team on 0845 603 2200 or email educationawards@essex.gov.uk.
 
Evidence of receipt of a qualifying benefit and evidence of the exceptional circumstances will be required with the completed application form (details of appropriate evidence are listed on the application form). 
 

Other financial support 

Family Action

Family Action (was the Family Welfare Association) no longer administers a uniform grant, but can give advice on other assistance which may be available for families with financial difficulties. Contact 020 7254 6251, or visit www.family-action.org.uk.
 

The Frank Buttle Trust

The Frank Buttle Trust (in association with BBC Children in Need) no longer provides grants towards the cost of uniforms, but still offers other grants for children in difficult circumstances. Contact 020 7828 7311, or visit www.buttletrust.org. 
 

Turn2Us

An organisation that helps people to ensure that they are receiving all appropriate welfare benefits. Offers details of hundreds of grant-giving charities (national, regional and local) that may be able to provide financial support and other services.  Visit www.turn2us.org.uk or contact the free and confidential helpline 0808 802 2000 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm).