Rutland clothing bank concerned some families can't afford school uniforms
The project at Oakham Baptist church has been offering second hand uniforms to families struggling to afford them
A Rutland clothing bank says it's vital they help parents - with evidence significant numbers of families struggle to afford the cost of a school uniform
More than two thirds of secondary school parents believe the cost of them is simply not affordable according to a recent national survey.
We've spoken to Rutland clothing bank about the situation - they recycle old second hand uniforms
Reverend Tom Bowring - who's a dad himself - runs the project at Oakham Baptist church.
I just want to encourage parents to try and reuse as much uniform as possible
He told us: "We want our young people standing there on the first day completely sparkling new - you can see the tags have only just come off their uniform."
"Within a day or 2 that uniform is covered in stains."
"I just want to encourage parents to try and reuse as much uniform as possible."
"If schools were to make sure they were only having uniforms when it was the standard grey trousers - the standard white shirts you can buy in any supermarket or online retailer that would really bring costs down."
I've know families that have got themselves into real spirals of debt and the root cause has been buying a uniform
"It's a huge cost when it comes round to that time of the year and families just don't have it at the moment."
"You always take on debt or you put other things aside."
"I've know families that have got themselves into real spirals of debt and the root cause has been buying a uniform."
"When they're state controlled schools I think the Government can introduce statutory guidance that suggests schools keep standard uniform."
"The problem is of course when you have a rise in academy schools it's very much down to the board of trustees."