15th November 2022Miss H WRIGHT

The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone this winter with individuals, families and also schools feeling the pinch of increased prices and stagnant budgets and we want to support those families in our school community who are impacted the most. We want to do everything we can to help you and your child/children through this difficult winter. 

Below is a list of support available to you and your family as the cost of living continues to rise, these range from energy bill advice to free tea and toast for all students.

Free School Meals (FSM)

If your child is eligible for free school meals (FSM) they will need to be registered. This allows students to eat well at school, more information can be found here. This also contains a link which takes you directly to Leicestershire County Council’s application form. 

Free Tea and Toast for all Redmoor Students

Since the start of this academic year EVERY Redmoor student is able to drop into the canteen between 8.20-8.30 am for FREE tea and toast before school starts. We would love it if more children made use of it as we know a warm breakfast really helps set them up for the day. Part of our vision is that our students eligible for FSM can have breakfast, a break time snack, hot meal, pudding and drink at lunch and will be well fed.

Local Food Banks

  • Please call 0300 330 2111 to speak to Leicestershire Citizens’ Advice, who will be able to issue you with a foodbank voucher if necessary.
  • Use food waste apps and websites like Olio (for free food and household items from your local community), Too Good To Go (for low cost food from local restaurants), or Low Price Foods (food that has passed its best before date, but is still safe to consume).

Household Support Fund

The Government is continuing with the Household Support Fund until March 2023 offering financial support to families with the significant rising cost of living. If you would like help with a referral please contact a member of the Redmoor pupil premium team.

Check you’ve received all the government’s cost of living payments

The government’s cost of living payment is available for those receiving certain benefits or tax credits. You don’t need to apply for these – if you’re eligible the money should go straight into your account.

Be aware of scams! If you receive any emails, texts or phone calls asking you to fill in an application form or asking for your bank details to receive a cost of living payment, do not talk to them or send a reply. Get more information on cost of living scams on the Money Saving Expert’s website

Energy Bills

Take a look at these resources from Simple Energy Advice, the British Gas Energy Trust and the Money Saving Expert website to see what you could save.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

CAB can help you with:

  • Getting benefits or other financial support organised
  • Accessing support for essential costs (food, bills, rent)

Visit the Citizens Advice’s website or contact your local branch to book an appointment;

At Redmoor we will put the cost of living at the heart of any decisions we make, we research low cost options and subsidise, where possible, the trips and opportunities we make available to our students.

We also offer second hand, good quality uniform/PE kit items, equipment and revision guides at very low prices or free for pupil premium students. With this in mind any donations that can be used for the benefit of other children would be very welcome.

If you have any further questions on any of the above information or would like help with a referral please get in touch.