Vicky Williams, a mother from Caerphilly, has expressed concerns about the financial burden of preparing her children for school, especially regarding uniform and supplies. Williams typically starts budgeting for the upcoming school year around Christmas, feeling anxious about ensuring her children have everything they need. The estimated minimum cost for sending a child to secondary school has risen to nearly £2,300 annually, a £600 increase since 2022. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) notes that this rise significantly impacts lower and middle-income families.
Williams has two children, aged nine and 14, and has to plan specifically for various items, including different sports kits for her son. Despite schools offering payment plans for trips, Williams says that sudden notifications about expenses can be stressful. She highlights the struggle between wanting her children to participate in extracurricular activities and the associated costs.
On the Lansbury Park estate, the Uniform Exchange provides low-cost and donated uniforms to help families manage these expenses. The shop, run by Director Lisa Watkins, sees approximately 120 families each month. Watkins notes that while some schools have made uniforms more accessible, additional changes are still needed, including treating school uniforms more like workwear.
According to a report by CPAG, the minimum educational expenses for primary and secondary school children have increased by 30% over the past three years. The report identifies food and technological equipment as key contributors to rising costs. Although universal free school meals for primary students save families around £500 yearly, strict income requirements for secondary students leave many without support.
A representative from the Welsh government stated they are committed to assisting families and have revised guidelines to prioritize affordability regarding school uniforms, underscoring the need for more changes to ease the financial strain on households.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjey8ngkqlko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss