If you are part of a family or look after children, then find out about organisations that can help with baby clothes and equipment, what support you can claim for childcare and options to help with school costs, including uniforms, meals and transport.
Help with childcare costs
If you need help with the cost of childcare, there are various options available. You can also use the government’s childcare calculator to see what you might be entitled to.
Support for parents and families
Our eight Family Wellbeing Centres offer a wide range of free health, education and welfare sessions and services to families and aim to give everyone in Brent the best possible start in life. Find your nearest centre and register today.
Little Village supports families with babies and children under five, living in poverty across Brent. They have a dedicated signposting and guidance team, who offer advice and links to other services. Referals to their Baby Bank service can be made by a professional, such as a midwife, health visitor, food bank or local mutual support groups.
Free school meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can get free schools meals whether the parents receive benefits or not. Children in other year groups, including in secondary schools, could be eligible for free school meals if their parents receive certain types of benefit.
Travel to school
Transport for London (TfL) offers free travel on London buses to all children under the age of 18 who are in full time education. They also offer other free or discounted travel.
Help with the cost of school uniforms
Sufra do regular uniform drives for families that can't afford new school uniforms and helped to distribute 318 ‘preloved’ uniforms this summer. Contact your local North West London Sufra branch for the latest information.
Support is available to Brent residents through the Resident Support Fund. If you are a Brent resident and in financial difficulties, this fund may be able to help with the cost of bills and essentials, including school uniforms.