Editorial View: School uniforms costs should not be such a burden

Initiatives such as free school books are without doubt a big help, but there are still many costs associated with going back to school, and it can be a very difficult time financially for families.

The cost of uniforms can be particularly burdensome, with children taking growth spurts or general wear and tear making existing uniforms tatty and unwearable. 

Some schools are less understanding than others when it comes to uniforms. It really should not be so difficult to turn a blind eye to someone not having the regulation trousers or skirt or PE top. This is particularly true at present with the current cost of living crisis and the stress under which many families find themselves being well documented. 

And in truth, no-one ever really knows the circumstances of another person or family regardless of outward appearances. Children should never be the ones having to deal with the humiliation of being punished for an incorrect uniform or other such factors which in the great scheme of things, are really not all that important. School and the school environment has enough challenges already. 

The argument for school uniforms is that they are an equaliser designed to eliminate peer pressure to have expensive brand name clothes. But for a parent trying to budget for uniforms for one or more growing children, the strain of buying full uniforms, perhaps for several children, is a nightmare. There are supports such as the Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance  in place for the worst off, but there are many households which fall just outside of the threshold. 

With more schools introducing mandatory PE gear, parents are now looking at the cost of a jumper, jacket or cardigan, shirt and/or polo shirt, trousers or skirt, PE bottoms and top, and in some cases, a regulation school jacket. 

That is without even starting on runners and shoes which meet the schools’ criteria. 

A lot of schools have more a relaxed uniform policy, allowing families the choice of going for a less expensive option. But even at that, it can still be a strain when funds are tight and items such as schoolbags need to be replaced and stationery supplies replenished at the same time. 

It beggars belief that there are still schools in Donegal that insist on a particular skirt or trousers costing in excess of €40, or a jumper or jacket at €30 plus. Parenting brings enough challenges without such undue strain at what is already an expensive time of year.