Back to school: how parents should prepare for the big day

As the new school term looms for many parents, it is decision time. Illustration: Jose Antonio Roda

Only buy what you need

The Department for Education issued statutory guidance to schools last year aimed at making uniforms more affordable. It includes keeping school-branded items to a minimum, making secondhand uniforms easily available, and giving priority to value for money (including durability, not just low costs).