Advice Bureau backs school kit cost campaign

The local bureau is taking part in a nation-wide campaign being run by Citizens Advice as part of a coalition of charities.

It follows a Citizens Advice national survey which demonstrates that many parents are struggling to meet the growing cost of items such as uniform and PE kit, plus a range of other expenses like trips and specialist equipment.

The questionnaire-style cards are designed to spread the message that some schools could do better in helping low income families.

Citizens Advice says simple measures such as ensuring that uniform items are widely available rather than limited to expensive sole suppliers can bring families significant saving in kitting out their kids.

But according to the latest Citizens Advice evidence, nine out of ten parents of state-educated youngsters fear their children face discipline because they cannot afford to kit them out in full. And nearly one in ten families say the costs are enough to influence their decision over which school they send their child to.

That is despite new government rules which say schools should ensure that uniform and kit are "widely available from a range of suppliers".

The findings come in a new Citizens Advice report, Adding Up.

The report, based on a survey of 1,000 parents, says: "79 per cent of secondary school respondents and 71 per cent of primary school respondents reported difficulties in meeting the costs such as school uniforms, trips and PE kit. 87 per cent of parents said they were required to buy items from a specialist potentially pushing up the costs.

"For years advice bureaux throughout the country have reported seeing clients who are struggling to meet the escalating costs of schooling their children. The cost of uniform, PE kit, school trips and other specialist equipment can run into hundreds of pounds per child each year. For many families on comparatively low incomes, that's too much to ask.

"We want to work in partnership with schools, parents and local authorities to help them to help these struggling families. Simple steps such as making sure uniform items are widely available and not from expensive sole suppliers can help parents make significant savings.

"Unfortunately such proven cost-saving initiatives are not adopted by many schools despite government guidance. By addressing the issue of costs we want to ensure that all children get a chance to participate fully in activities at their chosen school".

Citizens Advice is one of a coalition of charities campaigning on this issue.

The coalition welcomed the introduction earlier this of a new Schools Admissions Code which provides guidance on uniforms and other costs. Yet it is concerned that many schools will fail to heed the provisions of the code.

The code, which takes effect from September 2008 states:

"Governing bodies should ensure that the uniform chosen is widely available in high street shops and other retail outlets and internet suppliers rather than an expensive sole supplier"

The code makes clear that no family should feel unable to apply for admissions on account of high cost of uniform, kit and any other specialist equipment. Schemes helping with costs should be widely publicised and discreetly administered so that no parent is embarrassed to ask for help.