Schools across Milton Keynes offered £40,000 for projects to help disadvantaged families
Schools across Milton Keynes have been offered £40,000 to be used towards projects to help struggling families.
The money is being made available by Milton Keynes City Council as part of a pilot scheme designed to assist schools in some of the city’s more disadvantaged areas, so they can provide extra support to local families.
Schools can apply for up to £2,500 per project, with examples of eligible projects including healthy meals, free snacks or food vouchers for families, extra equipment for children such as musical instruments, reduced cost or free school uniform and additional wraparound care for children that need it.
Among the schools that applied for and received the funding is Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School in the Greenleys area of the city.
The school’s headteacher Rosemarie Jones said: “As a school we are aware that many families are struggling financially, so we applied for this funding.
“Our school is a welcoming family where everyone matters.
“This funding means no child misses out on any activities or trips they wish to participate in and takes the financial pressure off parents.”
Funding for the pilot scheme comes from the Household Support Fund, which is provided by Central Government.
The city council says it is particularly interested in projects that support children from families who do not yet qualify for free school meals.
Deputy leader of Milton Keynes City Council Lauren Townsend said: "We know that many families are under pressure, and schools are often the first to see that.
"This funding is a way of making sure help reaches children who might otherwise fall through the gaps. "By giving local schools the flexibility to run small but meaningful projects - from food support to extra equipment, we can make a real difference to families who need just a bit of extra help.
"I’m proud that we’re trialling a scheme that puts support exactly where it’s needed most.”