Reducing the cost of the school day.
New national guidance which aims to reduce the cost of school uniforms for families has been published.
Following consultation with schools, families, uniform suppliers, pupils and councils, the new guidance also sets out key considerations to ensure pupil comfort, freedom and happiness.
The guidance, which can be used to form individual school uniform policies, includes advice on encouraging schools to adopt measures that limit costs for families and reduce waste, including limiting the number of items that pupils need and promoting items that can be reused more easily.
New School Uniform Guidance
This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies with the involvement of pupils that recognise the individual needs of all.
Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, said:
“Every child in Renfrewshire should be able to attend school feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. However, we know the cost can be a significant burden for families and the Scottish Government wants to support schools to minimise these costs.
“This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies with the involvement of pupils that recognise the individual needs of all.
“It makes clear that schools are expected to do all they can to limit school clothing costs for families as part of our wider aim to reduce the cost of the school day. The guidance also encourages schools to develop flexible and inclusive policies which promote generic items of clothing and do not include compulsory branded items, supporting our efforts to be more sustainable.
“Ending child poverty is the central mission of this government. Reducing the cost of the school day for families, combined with school clothing grants of at least £120 for primary school pupils and £150 for secondary school pupils, will play a crucial role in this work.”
Notes:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/school-uniform-clothing-guidance-schools-education-authorities/