Call for schools to take action

The urgent appeal comes in the midst of the current cost of living crisis after it was revealed by the School Uniform Bank at Trinity Methodist in Lisburn that parents are resorting to making minor changes on uniforms with a biro. And that children are even having to sellotape their shoes together.

Lagan Valley MLA Emma Little-Pengelly said that parents are “in despair” and urged schools to take action to relive the burden,

“While schools understandably want their pupils to look smart, there must be an urgent recognition of the financial burden the specifications and requirements are putting on parents and their families,” she said.

“This is made all the more difficult due to rising costs of living that everyone is facing.

“Parents are in despair at the costs, with too many struggling under pressure to meet the high price of what is required by schools. This must end.

“Schools should urgently recognise the stress this is putting families under.

“There are solutions that would mean a better balance between branded and generic clothing.”

The Lagan Valley MLA, Emma Little-Pengelly has appealed to schools to make their uniforms more affordable. 
“The Education Minister has increased the school uniform support scheme payments by 20%, putting an additional £1m into the scheme,” she continued. “She has also written to all schools asking them to be cognisant of the costs of uniforms.

“This is while a review is underway to see what more can be done centrally to ensure school uniform costs are reduced and become reasonable for all.

“Action can be taken now by schools, I would urge them to do so.

“I visited some wonderful community initiatives around uniforms last week, including Lisburn Methodist’s School Uniform Bank.

“This is helping so many families and the volunteers and organisers deserve huge recognition. They need more help and support to enable them to run these schemes.

“These members of the community are stepping in and stepping up. Longer term solutions must be found urgently.”

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Green Party Councillor Simon Lee said he is concerned that many parents who are struggling are not seeking the help they desperately need.