Over a third of parents in Yorkshire and the Humber struggle to afford school uniforms, survey finds
The Children's Society says secondary pupils are most likely to be affected
A survey by The Children’s Society finds over a third of parents in Yorkshire and the Humber still struggle to afford school uniforms and PE kits.
Nationally, thousands of children have been 'punished' over unaffordable uniforms – including detentions, isolation, and even exclusions.
The charity says secondary pupils are most likely to be affected, despite efforts to make uniforms more affordable.
Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said:
“Across Yorkshire and the Humber, too many families are feeling the squeeze from high uniform costs. Every child in our region should be able to attend school without fear of being singled out because their parents can’t afford expensive branded items.
“With school uniform costs still crippling family budgets, we welcome the proposed limit of three branded items in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and urge the government to implement it – parents overwhelmingly support this much-needed change.”
The poll also found strong backing for reform, with 78% of parents UK-wide supporting a statutory limit on branded items. Parents suggested an average of three branded items would be reasonable, but they said they are currently required to buy five items in primary schools and six in secondary on average.
The governments pledging to tackle the issue with The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that will limit schools to three branded uniform items, with an extra tie allowed for older pupils.