The new academic year has also seen new guidance on school uniform coming into force. The Education (Guidance about Cost of School Uniforms) Act 2021 was introduced by a Labour Private Members Bill and generally received cross party support. Schools are expected to be compliant with much of the legislation by this September and fully compliant by next summer.
The changes will see schools:
forced to keep the amount of “branded” uniform that parents are required to buy to a minimum;
ensure that they have clear policies in place (including making it clear what is optional or mandatory) in respect of school uniform and ensure that these policies are published;
having to consider the total cost of school uniform, including PE kits, rather than just looking in isolation;
required to re-tender single-supplier contracts at least once every 5 years. Sadly, single supplier contracts have not been banned;
encourage parents to buy generic items from a range of retailers and ensure that any branded items are subject to a written contract;
having to put in place arrangements for the acquisition of second-hand uniforms.
The guidance is welcome and long over due and whilst it probably does not go far enough, especially in the current environment – it should, at least in part, help parents reduce one element of their costs.
If you do not think that your school is doing enough then in the first instance we suggest that you contact the Board of Governors to understand what steps are being considered.
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