Back to School

Back to School Support

Getting back to school or starting at a new school can be so exciting for young people and their families. For some however, the idea of returning to or starting at a new school in September can be a worrying time.

Whether you’re a parent worried about the costs of uniforms and transport, or whether it’s a concern about a young person’s mental health, we've put together some vital information to help you along the way.

Supporting you getting back to school

There is lots of support available to access to help get children back to school in September. If you are looking for more general community support you can visit Your Community page.

Uniforms, Kit and Equipment for School

School uniforms, kits and equipment can be expensive and with the rising cost of living, we know that extra PE kit or pair of shoes might be out of reach for many. Not only are there places that offer free or reduced cost uniform or equipment, but by accessing these and previously used items, we are supporting our environment! Here’s a list of some of the places in Doncaster offering free and reduced cost school uniforms and equipment - if  you know any others, just fill in the details in our quick uniform bank form and be sure to include times, dates and locations where you can:

  • St Peter's Uniform Bank Bentley - all items are free. They stock primary school uniforms for people living or attending school in the DN5 area, but can also help people outside of the DN5 area on request if they have the colours needed. The high schools covered are Ridgewood and Donvalley.  Fill in their form to request uniform in advance which is recommended as there can be queues when turning up on the day.
    Address: Town End Community Hub, Conyers Road, Bentley, DN5 9SU at the following dates and times:
    Friday 30 August, 10am-12pm
  • Mexborough Community Hub Open Day, offering pre-loved uniforms for back to school on:
    Thursday 29 August 12 noon until 3pm at Mexborough Community Hub, New Oxford Road, Mexborough, S64 0JL
  • The Church of the Good Shepherd - Kirk Sandall & Edenthorpe, (next to Canon Popham School), Church Balk, Edenthorpe, Doncaster, DN3 2PP - helping serve the community with a bank of free school uniform available in the church - contact Rev. Tom Brown for more information, 01302 882861 or email: cogsdoncaster@gmail.com  
  • Doncaster's uniform exchange Facebook page- A group to gift or sell unwanted school uniform from the Doncaster school area.
  • Pre-Loved Uniform Bank at St Lawrence Church Hatfield- Uniform sales are inside St Lawrence Church, Station Road, Hatfield. Anyone welcome - all items 50p up to a maximum of £5 (fill a bag for a fiver!) Lots of generic uniform as well as some stocks or logo items from local primary schools (Delta Woodhouse, Crookesbroom, Sheep Dip, Dunsville, Travis St Lawrence), also local secondary schools (Ash Hill, Trinity, South Axholme, Hungerhill, UTC). They also have shoes, winter coats, bags and tights. Get in touch, hello@hatfieldstlawrencechurch.com
  • West Road Primary Academy Moorends- offering uniform for back to school, including t-shirts trousers and jumpers/cardigans. Please get in touch directly for more information - tel 01302 812734, admin@westrd.doncaster.sch.uk.
  • Thorne and Moorends Uniform Bank-  Thorne Old People's Welfare Centre. Get in touch, t.a.m.schooluniformbank@gmail.com  
  • Bullcroft Memorial Hall- providing free school uniform in the hall. Bullcroft Memorial Hall, Chestnut Avenue, Carcroft, Doncaster, DN6 8AP, 01302 874587.
  • Balby Central Primary has a uniform swap shop where they recycle and give out preloved uniform. Tel 01302 321914.
  • Harworth and Bircotes Uniform Swap Shop- Preloved uniform can be found at Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall - visit their Facebook page for more info. 
  • Grace Church Doncaster will be having Coffee and cake + pre owned Hayfield infants and juniors uniform event in The Zone, 6 Priory Place Doncaster DN1 1AA. Contact for more info.
  • Cantley Neighbourhood Centre are currently taking donations for school uniform- please visit them to find out more. Tel 01302 215690, neighbourhoodcentre1@gmail.com 
  • Woodfield Primary School- contact for more info, 01302 853289. 
  • The McAuley Catholic High School - accepts uniform donations and redistributes these in the local area

You can also speak with your school about where to access support towards uniform or equipment.

To let us know about support available in your local area, fill in our Back to School Support form.

Accessing free school meals

We all know that having healthy and nutritious school meals is massively important to children’s wellbeing and helps boost their concentration and energy throughout the day. However we also know that affording school meals can be tough, especially with the rising cost of living. Every penny counts!

Find out if your child/children are eligible for Pupil Premium Free School Meals and how to apply for them by visiting the Doncaster Council webpage. 

Also, if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or 2 their meals are free – simply book in at school!

If you child has any special medical or dietary requirements, have a chat with school reception – you’ll just need a letter from a doctor or dietician. Religious and vegetarian menus are also available every day.

Support with Cost of Living

Visit the Council 'Support with Living' page for information and help with the cost of living. If your family are facing issues with money more generally, you can also find support and advice on our money management and debt advice page. The government have also launched their ‘Help for Households’ campaign to support with the cost of living, with lots of information available.

Transport, Bus Passes and School Buses

For some young people, their school is within walking distance or they may have their own way of getting to school, but many rely on school buses and public transport which can be a whole new experience.

Navigating the school buses and public transport system can be nerve-wracking for any young person and their families and one way of making the return to school feel a little less daunting is by making sure you know exactly what transport options you have available!

Find out more about school transport. 

Some children and young people may be eligible for a ‘zero-fare’ bus pass to help towards to costs of getting to school. Find out more at Zero Fare Bus Pass - Doncaster Council

Support for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We know that transitioning to a new school or returning to school can be even more daunting for our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and these worries can sometimes make it more difficult to get to school.

There is lots of information, support and advice available on Doncaster’s ‘Local Offer’ with an area dedicated to schools and education which provides information about specialist transport, transitioning between schools and much more.

Find out more about the Local Offer and the dedicated resources as well as the Transitions web page with information around planning and a video that captures the thoughts and feelings many young people experience when transitioning to a secondary school.

Who do I speak to if I am worried about going back to, or starting, a new school?

There are a few different ways to find support about returning to school whether you’re a young person or a parent/guardian or family member.

Firstly, we always recommend you try to speak to the school in the first instance. They are there to support not only the student, but the whole family whatever the issues are to ensure everyone is happy, healthy and attending school.

If you can’t speak to your school for whatever reason, you might find the information on this webpage is useful to help you with any issues you might be facing. Alternatively if you would prefer to speak to someone, there are a number of teams in place who would be happy to help!

Education Welfare Team – If you cannot speak to your school, our friendly Education Welfare Team are on hand to support you. This team aren’t just there to make sure that young people in Doncaster are attending school, they want to support the whole family to ensure we can support you with any barriers you are facing in getting a young person to their school.

Your Place local teams – We know that every family is different and we want to provide support and information that is right for you. The first point of call should always be your school, however the Your Place teams are available for you to drop in at Woodlands Library, Vermuyden Centre, Thorne, Conisbrough Library and the Civic Centre in Doncaster City centre.   Here are just a few things that your place teams can provide help and support with:

  • Family support
  • Activities and groups
  • Benefits
  • Childcare
  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Debt
  • Education support for you and your child along with information about adult education courses.

 Drop in for a chat or contact them here:

Zone 5-19 or your local GP – If a young person is struggling with their health, whether that is physical and mental health, and this is stopping them from being able to confidently attend school, please don’t hesitate to speak to make an appointment with your local GP. You can also access the new children's service 'Zone 5-19'. Doncaster School Nursing and Project 3 have joined to form Zone 5-19 and can be contacted on: 0300 0218997. Look out for updates on the service through September.

Your local Family hub - Think of any service you may need from day care and early learning to schools and education support; from midwives to health visitors and mental health; from advice on parenting to family support and adult learning to employment opportunities we are here to offer support and advice, to find your local family hub Family Hubs and Services - Doncaster Council

 

Back to School Health Checks

Worried about a young person’s mental health?

Worrying about returning to school or starting a new school can be daunting, and for some young people these worries can negatively impact their mental health. Equally, a young person who is struggling with their mental health more generally may be less likely to be able to attend school even if we know it’s the best place for them to be.

If you have concerns about a young person’s mental health, there are many places to turn and help of all types is available. This could be anything from a friendly conversation and advice from a school nurse, to a referral to formal support.

Visit our Children and Young People's mental health support page to find further support. 

Knowing when your child is too ill for school

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they're unwell.

If you do keep your child at home, it's important to phone the school or nursery on the first day. Let them know that your child won't be in and give them the reason. If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know. 

Your child should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and they either:

  • have a high temperature
  • do not feel well enough to go to school or do their normal activities

If they have mild symptoms and they feel well enough, they can still go to school.

For further advice and information on what to do when your child is ill, visit the NHS 'Is my child too ill for school' webpage.

Childhood vaccinations

With the new school year ahead, it's important that you know when your child needs vaccinations and that they are given on time for the best protection. Visit the NHS vaccinations and when to have them for a full time-line of what vaccinations your child should have and at what age. If you believe that you or your child may have missed a vaccine, contact your GP to arrange to book in.

You can also find out more on the vaccination through the UK Health Security Agencies blog on protecting your children through vaccinations.