Wednesday June 3rd 2026
Photo by Taylor Flowe
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Opened on Monday, families across Scotland can now apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school through the Best Start Grant School Age Payment.
Unique to Scotland, the payment is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. It is designed by the Scottish Government to ‘ease the financial pressures that come with a child starting primary one and can be spent on anything families need’ – from clothes and stationery to school trips.
Whether a family can receive the payment depends on the child’s age and when they are first old enough to start primary school, typically between 4 and 5 years.
The Scottish Government explained that families do not need to wait until their child starts school to apply. Those who are deferring their child’s start date, or whose child will not be attending school, are still eligible and must apply before applications close on 28 February 2027.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:
“Starting school is a landmark moment in a child’s life, but sadly it can also put real financial pressure on families. That’s why we introduced the Best Start Grant School Age Payment – to help ensure that every child in Scotland can begin their school journey with what they need, regardless of their family’s circumstances.
“This support is a vital part of our wider commitment to eradicating child poverty, making sure help reaches families at key moments in a child’s life.”
Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager said:
“We know from our work with children and families that starting school adds real pressure to already stretched family finances. That’s why it’s really important that families apply for the financial support, like the School Age Payment, that they are entitled to.”
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