Bishop Thomas Grant Bridges Food Bank

Lockdown has been a difficult time for all families; however, it has been particularly difficult for those families who have found themselves in financial difficulties. Over the last few weeks, staff and parents have kindly been donating food items and basic toiletries. These donations are going to be put to good use in the Bishop Thomas Grant Bridges Food Bank that will run throughout the summer holidays between 2:00pm-3:45pm for families in need.

Alongside the Bishop Thomas Grant Bridges Food Bank, there are three other sources of information for families in need:

1. The DFE has updated its guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak on what parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus outbreak. They have added content on summer provision, school uniform, the catch-up fund, school meals and the Covid Summer Food Fund.

2.  Iceland and the Company Group have now joined the Free School Meals voucher scheme.

3. The government has also updated the application form https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/guidance-for-the-temporary-extension-of-free-school-meals-eligibility-to-nrpf-groups and guidance on the temporary extension of free school meals to no recourse to public funds (NRPF) groups. This is to reflect the change in annual household income threshold to £16,190 after tax.

Can we take this opportunity to thank families and staff that have generously donated food items this term. The Friends of Bishop Thomas Grant have recently written to all families to ask for any donations they can spare, the school would be grateful if food and toiletries could still continue to come in over the holiday period to ensure that there are enough food supplies available for families in need. 

Thank you also to the Friends of Bishop Thomas Grant for their invaluable support in this important venture.

Please leave any donations either with the school keepers or at the school reception.

Many thanks,
Miss Murray