Gower MS backs Education Minister’s call to “make uniforms cheaper”

Local Member of the Senedd, Rebecca Evans MS, has supported the announcement of new guidance by the Welsh Labour Government which is designed to help schools make sure that uniforms are affordable, including an end to compulsory schools logos.

The Education and Welsh language Minister Jeremy Miles has published new statutory guidance today (02/05/23), following a public consultation on school uniform guidance.

56% of those who responded to the consultation agreed that logos should not be required on school uniforms, and nearly 90% of respondents also felt that schools should avoid single supplier agreements.

Almost all people who responded believed that schools should offer uniform exchanges, or recycling schemes, and today’s guidance calls for these schemes to be available for parents and carers.

Welcoming the announcement Rebecca Evans MS said:
“Purchasing expensive uniforms should not be a pressure which families have to face, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Our Welsh Labour Government is doing what it can by supporting many lower income families with its School Essentials Grant. This is the most generous scheme of its kind in the UK and provides families with up to £300 to purchase school uniforms and essential equipment.

“I also know that many schools are doing all they can to help keep costs down for families. The new guidance from the Welsh Labour Government will help them do even more.

“I am confident that this guidance will benefit parents, carers, and learners alike in Gower, during these difficult financial times.”

The new guidance calls on school governing bodies to review their current school uniform policies with affordability being the priority. It also asks schools to make sure that any changes to uniform policy are fed back to families before the end of the current school term.