Payments are being offered to Territory families, to help ease the costs of preparing kids for the school year.
The Back to School Payment Scheme provides financial assistance to parents and guardians of children enrolled in school or registered for home-schooling in the NT.
In Term One, $150 is made available for each child’s educational expenses.
It applies to students from Transition to Year 12, regardless of whether they attend a government or a non-government school.
Preschool students are also eligible, with the payment available in their first term of attendance.
The NT Government says individual schools administer the scheme and decide what items it can be used for, with all purchases to be made through the school.
The funds can go towards:
– school uniform, including hats, book bags
– textbooks
– stationery, including calculators, flash drives, school diaries
– school excursions
– student ID cards
– student photography
– school camps
– elective activities
Acting Minister for Education Nicole Manison hopes the payment will provide some financial relief.
“We are helping families at the start of the school year with those cost of living pressures – we know the bill can add up quickly getting ready to start school,” Ms Mainson says.
“Whether it’s paying for textbooks or uniforms, or helping students attend camps and excursions, this scheme makes going back to school just that little bit easier.”
“Investing in our children’s futures is something the Territory Labor Government will always do.”
Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact schools directly to access the entitlement.
