The start of the new school year brings additional pressures on many families as parents cope with extra costs for uniform and transport as well as the stress of children fitting-in to a new classroom environment.

The Citizens Advice in Schools project provides a service for families who need accurate, independent and confidential advice and is available in local schools across the South Hams.

Citizens Advice South Hams Chief Executive, Janie Moor, said: “Many parents and guardians benefit from our specialist advice, which also includes areas that aren’t directly related to school, such as housing, benefits and income maximisation.

“Since the schools initiative was launched last year we generated more than £20k in income for the households we supported and our advisers are now a vital lifeline for families.”

Advisers can help families’ maximise their income through benefits checks and help with household budgeting as well as referrals to local Citizens Advice energy and debt specialists.

Families may also benefit from this year’s expansion of free school meals.

All children in households receiving Universal Credit are now entitled to free school meals regardless of household earnings.

Many families not currently eligible will be able to apply.

Devon County Council are encouraging families who receive UC to check eligibility.

There are two types of free school meal eligibility:

Targeted free school meals for households receiving UC with annual earnings below £7,400.

These children attract additional funding for their school through Pupil Premium.

Eligibility for other support, such as the council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) and extended rights to home to school transport will continue.

Expanded free school meals are for households receiving UC with annual earnings above £7,400.

These children will be entitled to a free school meal, but the additional benefits will not apply.

Parents and carers are encouraged to apply even if they think they may only qualify under the expanded scheme, as both groups will receive free school meals.

The Citizens Advice in Schools project, run in partnership with Education South West, covers King Edward VI Community College in Totnes, Kingsbridge Community College, Dartmouth Academy and Blackawton, Stoke Fleming and East Allington primary schools.

Any parents or guardians who would like to arrange an appointment with an adviser should speak to their school office.

All discussions and information are treated in confidence.

The Advice in Schools Project has been made possible with generous funding from the David Gibbons Foundation, the Rotary Clubs of Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, the former Rotary Club of Totnes and local councillors and individual donors.

Any schools wishing to join the Citizens Advice in Schools project can contact Janie Moor at [email protected]

Devon County Council have implemented an opt-out auto-award process in which we can automatically identify pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals but are not already claiming.

These checks are taking place yearly so you may not need to apply.

However, you can apply as normal through the Devon Citizens Portal.

For assistance when making the online application, call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019.

More information is available on the Devon County Council website at: https://www.devon.gov.uk