Reducing the Cost of the School Day
New national guidance which aims to reduce the cost of school uniforms for families has been published.
Following consultation with schools, families, uniform suppliers, pupils and councils, the new guidance also sets out key considerations to ensure pupil comfort, freedom and happiness.
The guidance, which can be used to form individual school uniform policies, includes advice on encouraging schools to adopt measures that limit costs for families and reduce waste, including limiting the number of items that pupils need and promoting items that can be reused more easily.
The level of the Scottish Government’s school clothing grant has also increased to at least Ā£120 for eligible primary school pupils and Ā£150 for eligible secondary school pupils from the start of the new school year in 2021. In Angus, the amounts Ā£130 per primary pupil and Ā£160 per secondary pupil.
This support canĀ only apply once in any financial year (1 April to 31 March). Young people who are 16 years old by 30 September will not qualify, but may be eligible forĀ Education Maintenance AllowanceĀ instead.
I welcome the publication of this new guidance on school uniform.
GRAEME
It is important that we ensure no one is disadvantaged by the cost of uniforms, and a key part of this guidance is focussed on ways to keep that down.
I would also encourage all eligible parents locally to apply for the school clothing grant – an important means of support to further address this concern.
This Scottish Government is absolutely determined to tackle child povery – indeed it remains its number one priority.
Every child in Scotland should be able to attend school feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. However, we know the cost can be a significant burden for families and we want to support schools to minimise these costs.
EDUCATION SECRETARY, JENNY GILRUTH
This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies that recognise the individual needs of all pupils.
It makes clear that schools are expected to do all they can to limit school clothing costs for families as part of our wider aim to reduce the cost of the school day. The guidance also encourages schools to develop flexible and inclusive policies which promote generic items of clothing and do not include compulsory branded items, supporting our efforts to be more sustainable.
Ending child poverty is the central mission of this government and reducing the cost of the school day for families will play a crucial role in this work.
Background
School uniform and clothing: Guidance for schools and education authorities
There is no legal requirement to wear school uniform in Scotland. The new guidance does not mandate the wearing of school uniform at national level.
The non-statutory guidance applies to public schools in all local authorities. This guidance is also available to grant-aided and independent schools to consider when developing their school uniform and clothing policies. Grant-aided and independent schools are strongly encouraged to take account of this guidance when reviewing uniform and clothing policies in their schools. Early Learning and Childcare settings that have a uniform or clothing policy may also find the guidance helpful.
