New guidance by the Welsh Labour Government which is designed to help schools make sure that uniforms are affordable, including an end to compulsory schools logos, is a great example of common sense policy which will help everyone worrying about school uniforms for their children, particularly the worst off in our society.
The Education and Welsh language Minister Jeremy Miles has published new statutory guidance today (02/05/23), following a public consultation on school uniform guidance.
56% of those who responded to the consultation agreed that logos should not be required on school uniforms, and nearly 90% of respondents also felt that schools should avoid single supplier agreements.
Almost all people who responded believed that schools should offer uniform exchanges, or recycling schemes, and today’s guidance calls for these schemes to be available for parents and carers.
Welcoming the announcement Julie said:
Families shouldn’t have to bear the burden of purchasing costly school uniforms, particularly during a cost of living crisis. Our Welsh Labour Government recognizes this and is taking steps to alleviate the financial pressure on low-income households by providing them with the School Essentials Grant. This scheme is the most generous of its kind in the UK, and families can receive up to £300 to purchase school uniforms and necessary supplies.
We’re aware that schools are doing their part to keep costs down for families, but the Welsh Labour Government’s new guidance will enable them to go even further. This guidance urges school governing bodies to prioritize affordability when reviewing their current uniform policies. It also asks schools to notify families of any proposed changes to the uniform policy before the current term’s end.
We’re confident that this guidance will benefit parents, caregivers, and learners in Swansea by lessening the financial strain during these difficult times.
Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3p4YZfu