Recent Cost of Living Increases and Uniform Drive

Dear Parents/Carers,

We recently contacted you in relation to the cost of living increases with information in regards to how to apply for free school meals and as a plea for any good quality second hand uniform.

Uniform Swap Shop Collection

Through the generosity of parents and carers of students here at Wilmington Academy, we have now amassed over 200 items of spare school uniform for any families that may need it. We now have a team of Post-16 students who have collated and organised the donations ready for distribution.

We have also updated the process for requesting new items to make it even easier. If you need to use the swap shop service please complete the Google Form by following the link below:

Uniform Swap Shop Form

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Mr Staunton at stephen.staunton@wilmingtonacademy.org.uk, who will be happy to help.

Free School Meals Provisions

In our last letter we indicated how to apply for free school meals for your child. I have included this information below again as a reminder.

Your child may be entitled to free school meals provided by the academy. By making an early application for free school meals we are able to plan for the upcoming academic year.

For your child to qualify for free school meals you will need to be able to prove that you are in receipt and can provide the relevant proof of one of the following benefits:

• 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 guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re 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 four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

If you feel that your child may be entitled to free school meals you can make an application through Kent County Council by clicking here.

Please find below some useful information and links in relation to potential support that may be available to you:

• Support from Kent County Council (KCC): Household Support Fund for food and energy – Kent County Council
• Support from Dartford Borough Council
• KCC is working with Green Doctor to provide energy saving advice. Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. – Groundwork
• Some internet providers are giving free internet for families that are eligible

If you need any help with completing the application please feel free to contact Mr Staunton via the email address above.

Yours faithfully,