The summer holidays are coming to an end and kids are getting ready to head back to school. The last couple of school years have been vastly interrupted and I think we’re all hoping for a little bit of normality. Getting children back into school, learning how they should be, having fun with their friends like they should be and enjoying their childhood like they should be, is so important. The return to school can be expensive though. On top of potential bus fares and lunch money, the cost of school uniforms can be utterly ridiculous. Fortunately, the school uniform bill 2021 is coming into place to make it easier for all parents to afford this specific attire.
What Is Changing?
The cost of school uniforms can be crazy. The new law has gone through Parliament with cross party support. The new law will require schools to follow Government statutory guidance on school uniform costs. The school uniform bill 2021 will make it so families can’t access education because they cannot afford uniform. Whilst tradition of some schools is obviously important, the need for specific badges and blazers should not push those who cannot afford it out of the education setting. The new law will mean that uniform costs won’t be a factor in secondary schools.
What Has Been Said About The Situation?
The School Standards Minister Nick Gibb was asked about the school uniform bill 2021 and was quoted as saying: “School uniforms are important in establishing the right ethos in a school. They also help to improve behaviour and a sense of belonging and identity. But we want to be sure they are affordable for parents. This new law will help to save families money and ensure the cost of a blazer or shirt is never a barrier to accessing the best possible education.”
Elsewhere the Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, Mark Russell, was quoted as saying: “We are thrilled this new law has passed and we thank Minister Gibb and the Department for Education for their support. This legislation will be vital in ensuring that school uniforms become more affordable for families across the country. Young people told us back in 2014 that high-priced school uniforms had a huge impact on their ability to make the most of their education. We hope this new law will make children feel more equal to their classmates and make life easier for struggling families.”
Other Help Is Available
If you are struggling with the cost of school uniform, there is other help available. You can contact your local council who have funds available to help should you meet certain requirements. Don’t miss out on help by not asking. If you don’t ask you don’t get. Check the school essentials grant from GroceryAid too. Education is so important and our kids deserve the best, regardless of your current financial situation.
This is a great step in our secondary schools however I also think this needs rolling out in primary schools. I know that some settings say you have to have certain shirts and jumpers. Which is ridiculous when our kids grow so quickly and often come home covered in glue, grass stains or mud. There is nothing wrong with affordable and good quality supermarket school clothing.
I think the school uniform bill 2021 is fantastic. Getting an education shouldn’t be determined by what you wear. It should be a level playing field, open to all.
