‘Back to school’ – Wandsworth welcomes children across the Borough with the start of new school year

Councillor Kate Stock, Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Children, said: “As the new school year begins, we’d like to welcome everyone back. Whether you're returning to familiar classrooms or starting somewhere new, this is a time for new opportunities. We’d like to remind everyone that there is support for our young people out there – whether that be with free school meals or support purchasing new uniforms or other items.

“To parents and guardians, we recognise the important role you play in your child's education. And to our teachers and staff, we’d like to thank you for your hard work. Your dedication makes a real difference to young people right across the borough.”

With children returning to school this week after the long summer break, Wandsworth Council is reminding parent-guardians of the support available.

The government is providing free school meals for all children in reception class through to year 2 who attend a state primary. The Greater London Authority has provided funding to extend this up to years 3 to 6, until July 2025. This means all primary-aged children are entitled to a free school lunch.

All children receive these entitlements automatically, but it is important for parent-guardians on a low income, or who are in receipt of certain benefits to apply for means-tested free school meals in order for their child's school to receive extra funding.

Pupils or parent-guardians who are receiving one or more of the following benefits can apply for this:

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

To apply, parents or guardians should contact their child's school directly. By signing up, you will also gain access to our Access for All scheme, which is designed to break down barriers and improve access to opportunities for all residents. This includes initiatives like free gym and swim lessons, our Holiday Activities and Food programme, and much more. Learn more here: Access for All scheme to open up opportunities for residents - Wandsworth Borough Council

Find your child's school

Wandsworth Council is dedicated to helping parents and guardians with the high costs of school uniforms, understanding how tough it can be for many families. To ease this pressure the council has set aside funds to offer grants to eligible families, making it easier for them to buy the uniforms their children need. This support is especially aimed at those who need it the most, ensuring that financial difficulties don't stand in the way of kids starting the school year with the right clothes, feeling confident, and fitting in with their peers. We are also working closely with schools to reduce upfront uniform costs.

If you are eligible for the council’s Uniform Support Scheme, you should have already been contacted. If you have not but think you should have been please email voucherandholidaysupport@wandsworth.gov.uk.