South Ayrshire families are being encouraged to apply for a £267 grant to help with the cost of a child starting primary school.

The Scottish Government’s Best Start Grant School Age Payment provides a one-off sum of £267.65 to families with children born between March, 1 2017, and February, 28 2018, who also receive Universal Credit and certain benefits.

The cash boost aims to help struggling families at a key stage in their child’s life and can be used for anything – from a new pair of shoes to books or arts and craft materials.

Parents who have decided to defer their child’s entry from August 2022 to August 2023 - as well as those who are home schooling - should still apply before the February, 28 2023, deadline or they will lose out on the payment.

There is no limit on the number of children from each household who can get this payment.

The Best Start Grant is one of give family payments from the Scottish Government and administered by Social Security Scotland.

The package also includes: Scottish Child Payment, Pregnancy and Baby Payment; Early Learning Payment; School Age Payment and Best Start Foods.

For more information and to apply visit: mygov.scot/beststart or call 0800 182 2222.