Prior to the start of the new academic year, when parents and carers should spend money on new uniforms, P.E. kits, trainers, and school shoes, families are struggling with household costs as a result of rising food, fuel, and energy prices as well as high inflation.
After prices have risen over the summer, there is now a greater demand for necessities like school trousers, blazers, and shoes.
A freedom of information (FOI) request to the London Borough Council revealed that during the cost of living crisis, school funding and grant programmes rose from January to October 2022.
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From 2014-2022 figures show that there has been an increase in both uniform grant applications and authorisations and sets a path for a higher increase in 2023.
The London Borough of Hounslow provides help with school uniform grants. They have stated that The school clothing grant is payable to secondary school pupils in years seven and nine only and payable to all children in primary school from reception to year six.
This can be accessed on their website: https://www.hounslow.gov.uk. The Council has a budget for this grant funding up to £50K per annum.
According to The Department for Education (DfE): "The cost of school uniform guidance means that schools in England must ensure that school uniform costs are reasonable, and parents get the best value for money". https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms
In 2021, the DfE released guidelines for schools to make sure that the price of school uniforms is equitable and within reach. The idea is that parents won't have to consider uniform expenses when selecting a school and that wearing one shouldn't be a barrier to getting an education.
The government enacted proposed laws in April 2022. The rule intends to have schools stop requiring branded uniforms, giving parents more freedom to use second-hand clothing and reducing their stress levels.
Parents from all over the Uk have felt a sense of relief but are waiting to see changes come into full effect.
Birmingham-based parent Russ Johal, who works full-time, expressed her opinion:
"It has never been fair for schools to focus more on the uniform than my own child's education. This new legislation will benefit me and all the other school mums with less stress and more focus on the curriculum. No more sending kids home or handing out warnings to those who are struggling. Especially with the cost of living crisis, it is unpredictable" she said.
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