School uniforms: logos could be removed to save parents money

At the Senedd on Wednesday (21 Sept), in response to a question by MS for Mid and West Wales Joyce Watson, education minister Jeremy Miles said he will look at how the benefits of uniforms can be kept without the costs.

She said: “There's been significant interest in the reported consultation on school uniforms.

“The Welsh Government, of course, has extended the pupil development grant to support more families with the cost of uniforms and school kit… but the Children's Society says the average cost of school uniform is still over £300 per child per year – that is completely unnecessary and unfair.”

Families in Wales whose children are eligible for free school meals can apply to their local authority for the pupil development grant (PDG).

The scheme recently expanded to all compulsory school years – it gives £225 per child, except for those entering year 7, who can claim £300 because of the higher costs associated with starting secondary school.

Joyce Watson (Image: Archive.)

Ms Watson added: “It's three years since we brought in guidance to improve uniform affordability – two years before England – and the succession of Westminster Tory governments has widened inequality. Now we find that school uniform banks are springing up, alongside food banks, alongside proposed warmth banks, and yet the bankers will get their extended bonuses.”

In response to rising living costs, school uniform banks, pop-up shops and exchanges have been set up across the region. In Brecon, Labour councillors last month organised a swap shop to help families get ready for the new school year.

Jeremy Miles MS said: “We know that the cost of uniform with school logos can be a real issue for families, so I will want to look at whether that is absolutely necessary and whether schools should be required to provide iron-on logos free of charge, so that the merits of the school uniform can be maintained without the costs being borne by those who are struggling most.