Schools ought to restrict quantity of branded uniform gadgets, union chief says
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chools ought to in the reduction of on the quantity of branding on uniforms, a headteachers’ union chief has mentioned.
It might assist mother and father who’re struggling to pay for uniforms in the course of the cost-of-living disaster, in keeping with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) basic secretary Geoff Barton.
He instructed BBC Breakfast: “If I was a head now, I think I would be saying to governors that the days of when we had branding on the shirt, jumper and on the rugby items – I am not sure we need that because I think that social attitudes have moved away from that.
“Let’s have something on the most visible parts of the uniform. I think that is what I would be doing.”
Mr Barton mentioned he’s conscious of 1 main college governor who has opened up the venue in the course of the summer time holidays to allow mother and father to get cut-price second-hand uniforms.
He advised it’s a part of recognising the youngsters as younger individuals “irrespective of background”, but additionally that “the cost of living means that having logos on every item pushes up the price”.
His feedback come after analysis revealed by The Children’s Society charity in June discovered mother and father are nonetheless having to spend “exorbitant amounts” on college uniforms regardless of modifications launched final 12 months aimed toward protecting prices down.
Parents and carers of secondary college youngsters are paying on common £422 per 12 months on uniforms, and round £287 for main college youngsters, in keeping with the analysis.
The charity, which polled 2,000 mother and father from throughout the UK in May, mentioned the excessive prices are partly because of the requirement from some colleges for branded gadgets which should be purchased from specialist outlets reasonably than supermarkets or high-street chains.
Its survey discovered that, on common, pupils have been anticipated to have three branded gadgets, with 29% of secondary college pupils required to come clean with 5 branded gadgets together with PE kits, and 13% anticipated to have as many as seven.
The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act acquired the Government’s backing and got here into pressure in autumn final 12 months. It applies to England solely.
Under steering revealed following the introduction of the Act, colleges should be certain second-hand uniforms can be found.
They are additionally suggested to maintain branded uniform gadgets to a minimal and are inspired to permit extra high-street choices.
In Northern Ireland, colleges are anticipated to make sure their uniform is out there in a number of locations reasonably than from one provider and uniform grants can be found to some pupils with the standards much like qualifying totally free college meals.
In Scotland, college clothes grants can be found to some pupils and might be utilized for via the native council.
In Wales, households can apply for a faculty necessities grant via their native authority.