Find out below what support is available to help you and your family get through the cost-of-living crisis.
We know that many families are going through a tough time and we want to do everything we can to help you and your child. If you’re struggling with your finances, please get in touch to let us know, as there may be things we can suggest which will help.
You don’t have to be a UK citizen to get support from your local CAB, you just need to be
a resident of the local area. The CAB can help you with:
Visit the Citizens Advice website or contact your local branch to book an appointment. Citizens Advice (casort.org) or contact the advice line 0300 330 9073 (Adviceline)
Contact your local Family Hub to get help accessing all the support you might need as a family. Find your local hub here.
Make sure you’re on the right tax code. If you aren’t you might be due a refund. Use the Money Saving Expert’s free tax code calculator to find out.
Use 1 of these benefits calculators to determine whether there are any benefits you could be claiming:
You may be able to get benefits paid early if you need cash urgently – this is known as ‘a short-term benefit advance’. You will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) office at [Jobcentre Plus | Oldham Council] that’s dealing with your claim.
Oldham Parent Carer Forum and POINT are delighted to be working along side Action Together and Oldham Council with a Cost-of-Living Household Support offer.
We will be supporting families with supermarket food vouchers, and new warm clothing items.
Please contact Oldham Parent Carer Forum for more information using the following contact details:
Or visit Point for further details on the Cost of Living Household Support Fund.
Take a look at these resources from the British Gas Energy Trust and the Money Saving Expert for energy and Money Saving Expert for Broadband support.
If your child is eligible for FSM you need to get them registered. This will allow them to get a free meal at school, and we’ll get extra funding (known as the pupil premium) to support your child’s learning.
Go to this government website to check if your child is eligible. If they are, or if you’re not sure, you can submit a request with Oldham Council to see if you are eligible for FSM Free school meals | Free school meals | Oldham Council
The Blue Coat School also encourages families to donate uniform back to the school so that we can support other families who may be struggling with uniform costs. Our sizes are limited to what has been donated but we are able to help with:
To enquire about availability of second hand uniform please see our Uniform page on our website and complete the Uniform Request Form detailed on the page Uniform – The Blue Coat School (blue-coat.org)
The school does not receive any funding to provide direct financial support for pupils suffering hardship, however, thanks to kind donations of our school community we do have a small fund that we may be able to access to provide support with any school trips or extra-curricular activities. If you would like to request such support please apply in writing to the Headteacher ([email protected]) explaining why you need financial assistance. Please note that we cannot guarantee financial support and any support offered is reliant on funds being available.
Local authorities have many schemes that you might be eligible for, including:
If you’re worried about not having enough food to feed your family, you’re not alone. There are a number of places offering support.
Check if you can get broken household goods replaced or repaired by your local community.
Some community spaces open their doors to provide a safe and warm space for a few hours. Many also offer hot drinks and Wi-Fi.
Find a warm bank here Warm Banks | Warm Banks | Oldham Council
Contact StepChange for debt advice
Contact Shelter if you’re having issues related to housing
Contact the Salvation Army for emergency assistance
See if you’re eligible for grants from Turn2us
Single parents can get support from Gingerbread
The Blue Coat School is proud to be part of the Cranmer Education Trust
Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity registered in England. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ. The website address is www.cranmereducationtrust.com and the phone number 0161 785 5082.