‘Make school uniforms cheaper’ says Education Minister

The Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles has announced new statutory guidance on school uniform which aims to make them more affordable and accessible.

The announcement follows a public consultation on school uniform guidance, which sought opinions on affordability.

56% of those who responded agreed that logos should not be required on school uniforms in comparison to 27% who disagreed and nearly 90% of respondents also felt that schools should avoid single supplier agreements.

There was also almost universal consensus that schools should operate uniform exchange or recycling schemes.

The new guidance calls for arrangements to be in place so that second-hand school uniforms are available for parents and carers.

Cheaper

The Minister, said: “School uniforms are an important part of identify for a school, but it is absolutely vital that uniforms are affordable. This is why I am asking schools to prioritise making school uniforms cheaper for families, who continue to feel the pressure of rising costs.”

Mr Miles recently visited St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Pontypridd to see a school recycling/exchange scheme in operation.

The school’s Uniform Exchange initiative provides pupils, families and the community with affordable uniform opportunities to help during the current economic crisis.

The Minister said: “We know that branded school wear can be a lot more expensive for families – that is why schools shouldn’t make them mandatory. There certainly should not be a requirement for multiple items to be branded.

“I know that most schools are doing everything they can to keep costs down for families. But we have still seen too many cases where families have had to purchase expensive uniforms. The guidance we are publishing today will support schools in reducing these costs.

“In Wales we are doing everything we can to support families, with many lower income families eligible for the School Essentials Grant. This is the most generous scheme of its kind in the UK, providing families with up to £300 to purchase school uniform and equipment.

“I am calling on school governing bodies to review their current school uniform policies with affordability being the priority. Any changes to uniform policy should be fed back to families before the end of the current school term.”