Several schools across North Tyneside are supporting vulnerable families through the cost of living crisis with school uniform provisions. Whitley Bay High School, Hadrian Park Primary, Benton Dene School, and Burradon Community Primary School, have announced ways families can access cheaper or paid-for school uniforms.
Whitey Bay High School has an account open with its uniform provider to pre-pay for uniforms for some children. Other items such as PE kits are set to be handed out “discreetly” when required.
For colder months, the school has an arrangement with Newcastle United for donations of winter coats which are then distributed to students in need.
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Hadrian Park Primary School offers parents the chance, at the end of the school day Monday to Friday, a uniform exchange or to buy school uniform items for £1. Benton Dene School now offers school uniform items at parents evenings and hosts pre-loved coffee mornings.
According to a North Tyneside council press release: “Burradon Primary has been liaising directly with parents to ask questions about their uniform needs.
“Local schemes are advertised on the school’s website and a stock of donated items is kept in school and is distributed to parents who complete a uniform request sheet.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “School uniforms provide a sense of identity and community for children and young people, and should be a real source of pride. But, it must never be a burden for parents or a barrier to pupils accessing education.
“That is why we have published legally-binding guidance for schools across England to keep down the cost of school uniform. It will ensure that families of all backgrounds will benefit from the best value for money on their school uniform, and is part of broader support to help them with the rising cost of living.”
For wider support to address rising costs The Department for Education are providing over £37b. This includes a £650 payment, sent in two instalments, to nearly one in four families across the UK. The first of these instalments, worth £326, is being sent directly to people’s bank accounts, having started from 14th July.
For more information on affordable school uniforms parents can read the gov.uk education blog.
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