A child’s ability to benefit from all the educational opportunities on offer is obviously affected by the household income. For parents, especially those who are reliant on social welfare or in low paid employment, the combined costs of school uniforms, books, sports gear and school trips can be excessive particularly at the onset of the school year. These costs often result in families getting into debt or having to sacrifice essential items such as healthy food which in turn can impact negatively on children. Although the Department of Social and Family Affairs provides a Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) to those families who meet the tight qualifying criteria it is still inadequate to assist in the ongoing costs of