Most parents struggling to afford school uniform costs

A new study has found most parents are struggling to afford school uniform costs.

60% of those surveyed said they find it “financially challenging”, while 1 in 3 said they are borrowing money to be able to afford it.

The poll was carried out by charity Save the Children NI which is calling for action to be taken to bring down prices; something 99% of parents want to see happen.

Aysha Spence is a stay-at-home mum of two from East Belfast and says she’s still struggling to afford the cost despite getting a uniform grant.

She told Downtown/Cool FM News, “When the kids are back at school I have to think about them. I’m not buying myself anything. Meat’s a luxury now, you can’t afford meat.”

She continued, “You have to budget everything out and say ‘do you need this or don’t you?’ and that’s the way life has been at the minute.”

Save the Children’s NI Policy & Public Affairs Adviser Naomi McBurney said: “For most families the uncapped cost of school uniforms and PE kits adds to their already stretched finances. This year more than ever budgets have been stretched and the pressure to afford even the most basic items has put many parents to the test.”

“Meeting the cost of expensive school uniforms and PE kits should not be an additional worry. Much of the cost often relates to unnecessary branded and logoed items which parents are forced to purchase from limited suppliers.”

“We urgently need to see action from school leaders and the Department of Education that better reflects what parents are saying. Children have a right to access education and this should not be overshadowed by an inability to afford uniforms. The poll has shown there is an overwhelming need and appetite from both parents and the public for action to be taken. We would encourage all decision-making stakeholders to take heed and look at where costs can be reduced to ease the ever-growing pressure.”

Save the Children NI runs a pre-loved uniform scheme, in conjunction with uniform recycling initiative The Scaffolding Project, at our store in east Belfast. The charity’s Retail Manager Ronan O’Donnell said, “We have seen demand increase this year, as the cost-of-living crisis puts families under pressure like never before.”

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