The one-off £250 payment is currently open to eligible families with a child who was born between 1 March 2015 and 29 February 2016 and who is old enough to start primary one this year. Parents or carers have until the closing date on 28 February 2021 to apply.

The payment can be used for anything from a new pair of shoes to books or arts and crafts materials.

Parents who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2020 to August 2021, or those who are home schooling, should still apply before the closing date on 28 February 2021. If an application is made after this time it will be too late.

The payment is part of the Best Start Grant, a package of three payments for families in receipt of eligible benefits – including Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit and tax credits – to help at key stages in a child’s life.

Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply