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ADDING UP! - OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM CAMPAIGN
Calling all parents, child carers, and grandparents
Visitors to our bureau include parents who have become increasingly worried by the
high cost of school uniforms and of other school expenses such as trips and sports kit.
Sometimes we are able to help by accessing cash from charities and funds but this is not always possible.
We took part in some national CAB research which found this is a real problem across the country,
SO --- at Tonbridge Bureau we have joined in a national campaign to do something about it.
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What we have done so far
We have written to every Head Teacher and Chair of governors in the area asking them to check what is happening in their own school and let us know.
We have given them a top ten list of actions they can take to make sure these costs are as low as possible to ease the burden on family budgets.
We have particularly asked them to think again if uniform can only be bought from a named supplier or from the school itself. (Prices from High Street chains or supermarkets are lower and a sew-on school badge will still look good)
We've also asked them to designate a Governor whose special role it will be to keep an eye on costs to parents.
We've written to our local MP, local Councillors and Kent County Council Cabinet member for Education asking them to support good practice in schools.
Can you do anything?
Pop in to your local CAB office and pick up a campaign card.
Ask at your school - Is there a special fund to help with costs?
- Is there a secondhand or uniform swapshop?
- Can I buy what we need from another shop?
- Is the trip for study or just for fun?
Let your MP or local Councillor know if this is a concern for you.
We know school uniform is important for schools and we know that school trips are fun as well as educational. This isn't a battle, but it is important that state education is affordable education, so let's keep it that way!
If you want to know more then click on the links below;
Information about the Adding Up campaign.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/campaigns/current_campaigns/addingupcampaign.htm
The full CAB national survey report.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/campaigns/policy_campaign_publications/evidence_reports/er_education/adding_up.htm
Department of Children, Schools and Families- guidance on school uniforms and costs.
www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/atoz/u/uniform/
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/atoz/u/uniform/
DCSF School Admissions Code - this includes guidance on school uniform.
www.dfes.gov.uk/sacode/
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