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 for so many reasons.

Whether you’re a parent worried about the costs of your loved ones going back to school such as uniform and transport, or whether it’s a concern about a young person’s mental health, there can be lots of barriers to getting to school and we want to support you in any way that we can.

Whilst some parents, families and young people are busy making their back to school to-do’s and shopping lists, we know others families’ lists might look a little like this..

  • How can I afford their school uniforms and equipment?
  • How will he/she cope on the school bus?
  • How will they get on when their mental health isn’t so great at the moment?
  • Will they be bullied again?
  • Will their medical needs be looked after as they should?

Support with 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 the places in Doncaster offering free and reduced cost school uniforms and equipment:

  • St Peter's Uniform Bank Bentley- Free uniform for primary and secondary school children for anyone who lives in the DN5 area or if their child attends school there. Fill in their form to request uniform. The bank is open: Friday 11 August 10am-2pm, Friday 1 September and Saturday 2 September 10am-12pm.  They have all clothing items, including coats. The cover: Donvalley and Ridgewood secondary schools and for all primary schools in DN5. Uniforms are free of charge.
  • 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 Wednesday 9 August 12:30-2:30pm, September 4 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.
  • 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.
  • Thorne and Moorends Uniform Bank- Open day Saturday 19 August, 11am-2pm, Thorne Old People's Welfare Centre.   
  • Bullcroft Memorial Hall- Friday 11 August 2023, 11am-12 noon, providing free school uniform in the hall. 
  • Balby Central Primary has a uniform swap shop where they recycle and give out preloved uniform.
  • Harworth and Bircotes Uniform Swap Shop- Preloved uniform can be found at Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall, Friday 18 August, 10am-1pm. All local uniforms can be noted (please donate by 14 August). In partnership with Tickhill Lions, stationary is also available.
  • Grace Church Doncaster will be having Coffee and cake + pre owned Hayfield infants and juniors uniform event, on August 18 at 1.30 in The Zone, 6 Priory Place Doncaster DN1 1AA. Free all welcome
  • Cantley Neighbourhood Centre are currently taking donations for school uniform- please visit them to find out more.
  • Woodfield Primary School- school uniform, coats, shoes and PE items in their main reception everyday. FREE of charge

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 help 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 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.

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

Starting School for the First Time / Transitioning to a New School Year

It can be daunting starting school for the first time or moving into a new school or school year! Whether you're the family or the young person, we want you to feel prepared and ready to embark on this next adventure and there is lots of supportive information and advice about transitioning to new school years or starting for the first time available HERE

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.