The Department of Education has confirmed that its School Uniform Policy Guidance from July 2021 remains unchanged, following a public consultation held in January 2023.
However, MHK Joney Faragher is asking parents whether its policy reflects reality.
In a written answer to Ms Faragher’s question, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Daphne Caine, stated that “no change to the existing School Uniform Policy Guidance from July 2021 were considered necessary”.
However, the Minister noted that after a review by secondary school headteachers, “a number of changes were planned to be implemented in the academic year commencing in September 2024″.
Guidance
The guidance emphasises that “great emphasis is placed on considering the cost and availability of the uniform,” and that schools are expected “to demonstrate transparency and best value for money when appointing suppliers.”
Support for families includes school “swap shops” and PE departments that “have a stock of items that they lend, or sometimes donate, to students.” Schools also wish parents to know they “are happy to be approached if concerns arise about the acquisition of uniform”.
However, Ms Faragher said: “I know how many people struggle with the cost of uniform – in particular the PE kit (have you ever paid that much for a pair of socks before?)
“So can I ask you, do you agree that schools are considering costs for parents? Do you agree that they are demonstrating best value for money?”
In response to her post, parents have criticised the need for students to wear blazers and tie, calling it “outdated” and said uniforms and PE kits are unnecessarily expensive.
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