Clothing
You are expected to be able to care for and provide for the foster child within the allowance. It is not expected that you spend a fixed amount on clothes every week, as long as the child is appropriately and adequately clothed.
You must keep a record and receipts for clothing purchases for six months after the end of the placement. You can use this form to record clothing purchases.
If the social worker or supervising social worker (SSW) is concerned about the child’s clothing, they will discuss this with you. They may ask to see a record of purchases and receipts.
Sometimes a child may come into care with inadequate clothing. We will pay a discretional grant of up to £100 to purchase essential clothing items. This should be agreed with the SSW.
When a child leaves your home, clothing and belongings must be packed in holdalls. You must not use plastic sacks or carrier bags in any circumstances. If necessary, purchase holdalls and claim the money back.
School uniform
We pay a uniform grant when a child changes school and the school requires them to have a set uniform.
- up to £100 for infants and junior schools
- up to £250 for secondary schools
- up to £250 for sixth form or college
These amounts cover all school clothes, including that required for sports and technology lessons.
You should keep receipts, and all clothes bought with the grant must be new and recorded.
Normal replacement of school clothes is included in the weekly allowance.
Specialist items of clothing
You will be reimbursed up to £50 for uniforms for clubs, such as brownies, cubs, cadets and judo. You must provide a receipt.
For school leavers, we will pay a grant of up to £120 to contribute to the cost of work clothes or interview clothes.
We will pay up to £50 for other specialist equipment or clothing upon production of receipts. We will only pay this once in any 12-month period. It should cover equipment for hobbies such as gymnastics, football, ballet and horse riding.