Free bus travel – let the adventures begin!
Is your child turning five? You can apply for their card with free bus travel up to two weeks before their fifth birthday. Whether it’s the school run, a trip to the park, or a weekend adventure, free bus travel makes it easier and more affordable to get around. Find out more on the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel.
You can also find out more about free bus travel for people with disabilities on the Transport Scotland website.
TRY OUT A FREE TRIAL SELF-DEFENCE CLASS – FOR PUPILS, FAMILIES AND STAFF
We are a family friendly club with members ranging from age 5 upwards. Our club has trained in Aberdeen and the Bridge of Don for over 30 years. Now that the school holidays are over, the club goes back to normal times and venues and we will have classes on Monday evenings at Seaton Primary, Wednesdays evenings at Oldmachar Academy and Friday evenings at Braehead Primary School.
If you, members of your family or friends would like to try out our classes for free, then please either telephone 01779 821866 or email k1.tkduk@gmail.com and I can arrange a free trial class for you.
Mrs Murdoch, Club Secretary, Independent Taekwon-do Schools
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⚽ 2016–2018 Group Football Sessions
Our established group sessions give children the opportunity to develop their technical ability in a fun and positive coaching environment. Sessions include plenty of ball work, small-sided games and activities designed to improve skills while keeping football enjoyable.
⚽ Girls-Only Sessions – Ages 5–7
A welcoming session specifically for young girls, whether they are completely new to football or already involved with a team. The aim is to help more girls enjoy football, develop their skills and provide an additional opportunity to play outside of school and club football.
⚽ New Boys Session – Ages 5–7
We’re also launching a new Wednesday session for boys aged 5–7. This will focus on introducing and developing key football skills through fun, age-appropriate coaching and games, with all abilities welcome.
All of our sessions take place outside school hours and are designed to provide children with additional opportunities to be active, develop their football skills and enjoy the sport alongside their school activities.
Back to school financial support
The end of the summer holidays brings a mix of excitement and expense for families.
New uniforms, school bags, nursery essentials and lunch costs can all add up quickly, placing real pressure on household budgets at this time of year.
Social Security Scotland has a range of payments to help ease those costs – from nursery age right through to secondary school. Thousands of families already benefit from this support, but many may not realise they are eligible.
Support for nursery-aged children
For families with children aged between two years and three years and six months old, the Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment of £331.95 can help with the costs of toys, books, clothing and other items that support a child’s development. There is no requirement to take up a place at nursery to qualify for this payment. Families receiving Scottish Child Payment and are eligible for this payment will be paid automatically, there is no need to apply.
Families may also be able to receive Best Start Foods, a payment that can help parents buy healthy foods during pregnancy and up to a child is 3 years old.
Help for children starting primary school
Starting primary school is a big milestone – and it can be an expensive one.
The £331.95 Best Start Grant School Age Payment can be used for anything a child needs to start school, including uniforms, school bags, books and equipment. Applications are now open for children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. A child does not need to go to school to receive this payment and children deferring starting primary this year still need to apply by the deadline of 28 February 2027 to receive the payment.
Children who are eligible for this payment and already receive Scottish Child Payment will be paid automatically – there is no need to apply.
Help for all ages – families with children 16 years and under
Scottish Child Payment is available to families with children under 16 and provides £112.80 every four weeks for every eligible child. It’s designed to help with the everyday costs of raising a family and can make a significant difference to household finances throughout the year – not just at back-to-school time.
Check eligibility
As children head back to nursery and school after the summer holidays, now is a good time to review what financial help may be available. Eligibility is normally linked to receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, however it isn’t a requirement for some people aged 20 and younger.
To find out more on the range of payments available and eligibility visit Children and family – mygov.scot
For resources to share across your networks and communications channels, including material in alternative formats and languages visit Resources – Social Security Scotland
Making Waves: Amazing Machines
Push buttons, turn cranks and let your imagination run wild as you explore the captivating art of automata this summer at Aberdeen Art Gallery. The best part? Under 12’s go free!
Making Waves is open 7 days a week. Book your space to guaratee entry, or simply purchase your tickets on arrival.
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ
Standard: £10.50
Concessions: £7.50
Children 12 and under: Free
Exhibition pass: £15 – revisit the exhibition all summer long
Hungry for more?
From creative play and hands-on making to ships, stories and surprising discoveries, there’s so much for families to enjoy at Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums this summer. Whether you’ve got an hour to spare or want to make a full day of it, we’ve got three brilliant (and free!) family‑friendly spots to visit: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Provost Skene’s House.
Learn more about our venues and plan your visit at www.aagm.co.uk.