Parish Rooms, Welcome
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Press release May 2008
Cost of School Uniforms in the Area North Warwickshire Citizens Advice Bureau’s survey on the cost of school uniforms in the area, provided some interesting findings. At a time when supermarkets have embarked upon a price war on the cost of a basic school uniform, you would expect to find that parents reported a reduction in the amount they have to find. In stead, the report showed that the 76% of parents paid between £50 and £100 for a primary school uniform, whilst 53% of parents of secondary school age youngsters spent more than £100. Most parents reported that it was not the cost of the basic school uniform that was the problem, but the number of badged items that needed to be included. Expensive PE kit was another bone of contention, as well as fleeces, and bags (sometimes 2 – one for PE), all sporting the school logo. Perhaps more worrying, was parents’ concerns regarding the consequences for their children, if they did not have the full uniform. 40% expressed the fear that their children would be bullied. Teasing and difficulties with teachers were other areas of concern. The government’s new schools admissions code states that, from September, schools will be required to ‘ensure that the uniform chosen is widely available in high street shops and other retail outlets, and Internet suppliers, rather than from an expensive sole supplier’. All schools in the North Warwickshire area were asked to participate in the survey and Headteachers and governors have been sent a copy of the final report. A copy was also sent to Warwickshire County Council. NWCAB’s social policy co-ordinator, Lesley Curtis, said ‘Local authorities have the discretionary right to provide grants to low-income families. Like many others, Warwickshire County Council does not provide any grants. We have clients with three or four children who are desperate for help. There are a small number of charities who offer some support, but it is not enough. We have seen clients use money set aside for bills to provide uniform and they have then found themselves in further difficulty. There are simple steps that schools can take to ensure that this is one area that children from low income families do not need to be made to feel different.’ North Warwickshire Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity and we rely on volunteers to deliver our service. If you are interested in volunteering for us, telephone 01827 712852 and ask for Cherryl Green. Advice
Line 0870120 2464. End Note for editor Contact Carol Musgrave for more information on 01827 718995
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