IN this month's column from the York Citizen's Advice Bureau, we are looking at problems associated with the new school term.

Any problems with schools should first be discussed at school. Most schools will have an established complaints procedure - the headteacher will usually be the first point of contact.

If you have a query about this, or any other subject please contact us at 3 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AU, Telephone 01904 636066, Fax 01904 620571, E-mail admin@yorkcab.org.uk. You can get full details of all of their services on our website at www.yorkcab.org.uk.

Q I am on Working Families Tax Credit and my four and a half-year-old son has just started school. He needs a uniform; can I get help with this?

A Local Education Authorities have discretion to give help with the cost of school clothing. LEAs' policies on whom they can help and why vary widely. Please check with your LEA. Some LEAs have a policy of not giving financial help to buy school uniforms on the grounds that there is no legal basis for a pupil to wear school uniform. This is more likely to be the case with primary school pupils. A parent may have to challenge the LEA if the school's policy is that pupils have to wear school uniform and the parent cannot afford to buy the uniform.

Q I have just lost my job and claimed Income Support, I am finding it difficult to pay for my children's school meals. Is there any help available for me?

A LEAs or grant maintained schools must provide midday meal free to a pupil whose parent(s) receives support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, income-based jobseeker's allowance or income support, or who receives income-based jobseeker's allowance or income support in her/his own right; and who is a registered pupil at a maintained school or grant maintained school, or who has an assisted place at an independent school.

Q My daughter was bullied at her last school, I am afraid that this will happen again. What can do to make sure this does not go on again?

A Government guidance defines bullying as actions which are meant to be hurtful and which happen on a regular basis. Bullying can be direct (physical or verbal) or indirect (Ignoring someone or not speaking to them). All schools should have an anti-bullying policy. If there is no policy the headteacher should be approached. Any parent whose child is being bullied (or who is accused of bullying may wish to get advice from a specialist organisation, for example, the Anti-Bullying Campaign.

York & District CAB is a registered charity (No 509600) offering free impartial, independent and confidential advice on a whole range of subjects.

Updated: 09:39 Thursday, September 12, 2002