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BUREAU URGES SCHOOLS TO LISTEN TO WORRIED PARENTS
Tonbridge CAB is urging Headteachers locally to look once again at the financial burden facing parents when it comes to sending children to school.
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.
Bureau Manager, Angela Newey has taken the unprecedented step of writing again
to Headteachers following last year's Keep Free Education Free campaign,
urging them " to minimise the costs of school uniforms and school trips."
"As the economy has moved into recession even more clients are coming to us
in financial difficulties with families in particular having to economise
in every area of their expenditure" she says.
"Schools need to know how parents feel and take notice of the results
of a mini-survey conducted in the bureau during the Autumn.
These were very worrying. Many parents did not know whether their
child's school offered help with the cost of school uniforms and school trips,
nor did they know if there were second hand uniforms available.
Some parents were also confused about whether trips were essential for the curriculum."
Secretary of State replies to MP
In addition, the bureau brought its concerns to the attention of Sir John Stanley MP who passed them to Secretary of State, Ed Balls.
The Secretary of State responded by letter in which he stated;
"Uniforms chosen should be widely available. High priority should be given to cost, and costs should be kept under review. Schools should not seek to operate as sole suppliers in order to raise funds through the sale of new uniforms."
he went on to say:
"Furthermore, schools or retailers that have exclusive contracts with suppliers may in principle be subject to enforcement action by the Office of Fair Trading".
Angela Newey concludes;
It is clear that the government is taking this issue seriously and as parents start to "kit up" children who are starting at new schools in September, we very much want schools to review their arrangements and do everything possible to help struggling families. Clearer communications, wider choice of uniform supplier and a nearly- new option would all help."
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If you want to know more then click on the links below or contact Angela Newey or Mary Mallett at Tonbridge CAB, 01732 373821.
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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