Returning to school should be an exciting time but as pupils across the country start to head back to the classroom, a new survey has shown that nine out of 10 Scottish parents were anxious about the cost of kitting their children out for the start of the new school year.
The study, which was commissioned by George at Asda, found just 11 percent of parents of children in Scotland had no concern about the cost of getting their child ready to go back to school.
It found 62 per cent were very or quite concerned, with a further 26 per cent somewhat concerned.
The survey asked parents about everything from how often they buy new school uniform for their youngsters, to their fears about whether their children would be bullied if they arrived at school wearing uniform that shows sign of wear and tear.
It also looked at what cutbacks parents have made to afford to buy school uniform as the cost of living crisis continues.
The research found that 43 per cent of parents in Scotland had previously sent their child to school in old or worn uniforms that do not fit them any more, with almost two-fifths saying that was because they could not afford to buy new ones.
Almost nine in 10 parents admitted they were worried their son or daughter could be bullied as a result of going to school in older or visibly worn school uniform.
The charity Buttle UK is dedicated to helping children and young people in crisis in the UK, including those living in financial hardship.
Its Chances for Children Campaign aims to level the playing field, and has raised £10million to help close the education gap for children living in poverty and crisis.
They say that helping with the cost of school uniform accounted for 40 per cent of the Chance for Children grants they made
last year.
The charity have been working with George at Asda to be able to fund more school uniforms this year for disadvantaged children.
Joseph Howes, CEO of Buttle UK, said: “The cost of living crisis is impacting us all, but buying school uniform – something that should be a great equaliser for children – is creating extra stress for those on the lowest incomes.
“We are delighted to be working with George at Asda on this campaign. Please consider making a donation to help give a child a uniform they can be proud of.”
● To support Buttle text BUTTLE5 to 70007 to donate £5, or to donate £10 text BUTTLE10 to 70007.
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