Have your say on proposals to change school uniform policies

Have your say on proposals to change school uniform policies

With under a week to go until the consultation closes, local Member of the Senedd, Mike Hedges MS, is encouraging parents, guardians, and learners in Swansea East to have their say about whether school logos on uniforms are necessary.

A Welsh Government consultation is seeking opinions on a variety of proposals about school uniforms, including updating the statutory guidance to further support families through the cost-of-living crisis and making uniforms more affordable. The consultation closes on 28 November 2022.

Options being considered include:

• the use of school branding and whether schools should have no logo at all; or
• the use of ‘iron on logos’ and making them available free of charge.

These could give families the opportunity to purchase cheaper uniforms from a retailer of their choice. Views are also being sought on whether schools should enter into single supplier contracts, their role in uniform recycling and exchange schemes.

Welsh Labour’s Member of the Senedd for Swansea East, Mike Hedges , said:

“I’m really pleased that our Welsh Labour Government is asking for views on further ways in which it can support families through this cost-of-living crisis. I would encourage families across Swansea East to take part in this consultation and have their say about these proposals to further reduce the cost of school uniform.

“I know that a lot of work already happens in schools to keep uniform costs to a minimum. However, we still hear of instances where families are spending eye-watering amounts just to send their children to school.

“I’m also urging families to check whether they are eligible for the Welsh Labour Government’s Pupil Development Grant Access Grant. This grant is administered by City and County Council and provides help with the cost of school uniform and school items.”

Parents, carers, learners, schools and other key stakeholders are encouraged to share their views by responding to the consultation.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The consultation is live here: · English: https://gov.wales/changes-statutory-guidance-school-uniform-and-appearance-policies · Cymraeg: https://llyw.cymru/newidiadau-ir-canllawiau-statudol-ar-bolisiau-gwisg-ysgol-ac-edrychiad-disgyblion

In 2019, the Welsh Government updated its school uniform guidance and made it statutory to better support governing bodies in making their decisions on school uniform policies in respect of access, affordability and flexibility. You can view that here: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-07/statutory-guidance-for-school-governing-bodies-on-school-uniform-and-appearance-policies.pdf

You can find out more about the PDG Access Grant here: https://gov.wales/pupil-development-grant-access