Commenting ahead of the second reading of the Private Members Bill
from
on the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill in
the House of Commons, Cllr , Chair of the Local
Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“People should never be in a position where they are
worried about applying to the best school for their child because
they’re worried about the cost of the uniform.
“We have long argued that all schools must follow a
common-sense approach. But every year we hear of some schools
insisting that parents buy a wide range of compulsory items, from
branded blazers to specific socks. This can push the overall cost
of a uniform and PE kit into hundreds of pounds, and for many
families, that is simply too expensive.
“Allowing parents and carers to choose uniform items widely
available on the high street, making school logos available as
sew-on patches, and having a plain sports kit that can be used
for a range of different sports can really make a
difference.
“It’s also important that parents and carers know that they
have the power to influence schools over their uniforms, and they
should feel able to speak to school governors if they think a
uniform is too expensive or too hard to get hold of. Parents
should not need to be pushed into debt in order for their
children to look smart.”
