Boards of Governors at Northern Ireland's schools are being urged to review and amend their school uniform policies in light of rising inflation and household bills that are stressing local family finances.
The call comes from the National Education Union (NEU) who argue that families are struggling with household bills as a result of increasing food, fuel, energy bills and rising inflation.
All of this they say is putting pressure on household budgets prior to the new academic year as parents and carers are facing the purchase of new uniforms, P.E kits, trainers, and school shoes.
Read more: Ex-school matron brings uniform recycling revolution to NI with resale website
Danielle Black, Regional Officer at NEU said that uniforms should be a leveller but instead they are a significant cost pressure for parents at this time of year.
"Branded and specialised uniforms place unnecessary financial pressure on families, when similar cheaper options are available in supermarkets and the high street.
"The solution is not complicated, with the current cost of living we need to reflect on the costs associated with education. In addition, many schools continue to unnecessarily prescribe different clothes for girls and boys which prevents clothing being passed on to siblings, and stops some pupils being able to participate fully in their education."
She added: "This stance on uniforms deny our pupils, mainly girls, of comfort, choice, practicality and reinforces unfair gender expectations. Families from different ethnic backgrounds may prefer a longer skirt or trousers for their daughters, and for practical subjects and the primary play based curriculum trousers are a more sensible option for all pupils.
"Governors should also consider SEN children and transgender or gender non-conforming youth. The main goal is for every child to feel a sense of security and belonging at school."
The NEU have campaigned that overpriced logo uniforms should be scrapped for generic but colour schemed options.
While they welcome Education Minister Michelle McIlveen's recent announcement that the uniform grant will increase by 20% this year, they say branded uniforms are becoming increasingly impractical and unaffordable in the current climate and school leadership should review their policies urgently to ease the burden on families.
READ NEXT:
-
Mum 'nearly in tears at uniform bill' as support grant 'doesn't go far enough'
-
Lisburn clothing swap aims to help local communities during cost of living crisis
-
North Belfast family walk to Andersonstown to avail of much-needed school uniform support
-
NI mum on counting the cost of crippling high prices for school uniforms
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
