It’s not just state school parents flocking to the nearest school uniform banks as they head into the new year, families with children at independent or private schools are also among those looking for cheaper alternatives. And now, more than ever, households are struggling to keep up with rocketing inflations and soaring energy bills - all while wages continue to lag behind amid the cost of living crisis.
Organisations such as Bristol Uniform Exchange and Old School Uniform have reported an “exponential increase” in the number of parents using their services for affordable clothing. Meanwhile, the Child Poverty Action Group says there’s “plenty” that schools and the government can do to take “some pressure off”.
Bristol Uniform Exchange founder Kristy Clark launched her business in 2020 after recognising the hardship and financial difficulties faced in some of the most deprived areas of the city so wanted to make a difference. The mum of two said parents shouldn't have to choose between buying school shoes or feeding their families.
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The 39-year-old said: “We have seen the greatest demand for our service this summer, helping over 340 families in the lead-up to the new school year which is our busiest summer to date. Families are very mindful when accessing our items and only take what they need. But where possible, we have tried to provide multiple items, five polo shirts, five jumpers for example, so their children have clean uniforms daily and families can limit the number of washing loads per week.”
Ms Clark has been inundated with the number of families reaching out to plan for next year, with many “worried they would not be able to provide the uniform items needed” or concerned she may not be able to help them due to an” increase in demand”.
“Families have been very honest with us about the situations that they are battling and I am pleased they have felt comfortable enough to ask for help. Children have also been very excited, especially those starting school for the first time when we have been able to source a backpack with their favourite character and a new jumper so they have felt confident to go to school and feel like they belong,” she added.
Ms Clark has also launched a coat exchange service which has always proved popular as they are more expensive items that families struggle to afford and provide. “Heading into the winter families are going to struggle to heat their homes, wash and dry their clothes, so we hope that providing more of what families need can ease this burden,” she added.
Since starting her project she has saved over 15,000 items from going to landfills so that those in need can get free school supplies. She said some families are in further need of food bank support and general household items which she is unable to provide but have made referrals to help them where possible.
Andrea Grant, owner of the Old School Uniform - a one-stop website for unwanted school uniform items, said: “The cost of living crisis is not only affecting those on a low income but also those who are middle earners. Hence why at Old School Uniform we have seen an increase in registrations from not just state school parents but also Independent/private school parents.
“Over the last year, more and more schools both state and private have been sending their parents to our site because everyone is looking at ways to save money and be more sustainable.
“With the Government's mandate that schools offer all parents the opportunity to access reasonably priced school uniforms, schools are making the cost of living crisis a top priority. Organisations like Old School Uniform are seeing an exponential increase in the number of parents using their services and I expect this to continue.”
A new uniform law which came into effect in April 2021, required schools in England to follow Government statutory guidance on school uniform costs instructing them to keep prices down. School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said: “This new law will help to save families money and ensure the cost of a blazer or shirt is never a barrier to accessing the best possible education.”
Chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group Alison Garnham said the Government plans should align with the needs of those on a low income. “With their budgets stretched to breaking point, families are increasingly struggling to cover lots of school-related costs and while there’s plenty schools can do to take some pressure off, it’s critical that the Government uprates benefits in line with inflation in next week’s fiscal statement. Anything less, and more children will go without basics like food and warm clothes this winter,” she added.
Anyone struggling to find school supplies in Bristol can visit the Bristol Uniform Exchange Facebook community for peer-to-peer support, sharing and swapping items directly.
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