##### Jubilee Primary School Hardship Fund Policy (December 2020)

Jubilee Primary School’s hardship fund is there to support pupils whose exceptional family circumstances mean that they need support to provide uniform and other clothing, shoes, educational equipment, meals during the school day, access to extracurricular educational experiences, etc * . Assistance will be advertised to parents/carers via school newsletters and the school website and parents will be expected to make an application/enquiry to the school if they require assistance.

####### Am I eligible for a grant from the school’s hardship fund?

Because there are only limited funds, we have to make sure that grants reach those most in need of support. The more information that you can provide regarding your circumstances, whether they are long standing or just short term, can help us decide how the funds should be most suitably distributed. Awards will have a time limit and review date.

####### How do I apply for assistance from the hardship fund?

Completion of an application form or a letter that details your family circumstances is usually all that is required to make a decision. We might contact you if we need more information. All forms, correspondence and communication are dealt with in the strictest confidence by the designated safeguarding officer. We don’t formally ask for evidence for this application.

####### When should I apply?

The Governors Charging and Remissions Committee will consider applications. Please submit your request / application as soon as you are aware that you need to support from the hardship fund. You must notify the school of any change in circumstances that might affect the continuation of the grant.

####### Will I automatically get what I apply for?

All grants from the hardship are discretionary and will be allocated depending on need and funds available. The more information you put into your request/ application about what you will find difficult to fund and why, the more easily the school will be able to assess your needs.

####### How will I know what I might find difficult to fund?

We will publish a list of the trips per year group in advance with a rough indication of cost. Letters will be sent about recommended revision books or specific equipment (e.g. maths pack)

####### Will the grant be paid in cash?

Grants from the hardship fund will be paid directly into the relevant trip, event or school cost centre. On some occasions a voucher will be provided or goods and services required. We do not make cash settlements from the fund.

####### What should I do if I don’t agree with the Committee’s decision?

You should write to the Chair of Governors stating why you think the decision of the Committee is incorrect. The Chair of Governors will then consider your appeal and reconsider your application with the help of two other Governors who were not previously involved. The outcome of this reconsideration will be notified in writing and is final.

####### Is support available from other bodies?

We can discuss this further with you. If you are eligible, we always advise application for Free School Meals. You do not need to be in receipt of Free School Meals to qualify for a hardship grant. Please contact Alia Zakir Inclusion Manager Jubilee Primary School 020 8678 6530.

We are able to make referrals to the local food bank and baby supplies bank. In some circumstances we would complete an Early Help Assessment with you and make a request to the Early Help Team.