A SIGNIFICANT proportion of parents are being burdened financially by the cost of school uniforms, a new poll has found.
According to research by Parentkind, adults want to have greater input into uniform policies.
Results representing 2,771 children revealed that more than nine in every 10 parents had concerns.
The research was undertaken in partnership with Parent Engagement Group (PEG).
It found 90 per cent worried about purchasing items including footwear throughout the year due to children's growth spurts.
Almost three quarters said purchasing uniforms placed financial pressure on their family, and many claimed this negatively impacted upon their wellbeing.
Parents also wanted more say, with 92 per cent agreeing they should be consulted on all proposed changes and about satisfaction with uniform suppliers.
"Parents have real concerns about the cost of school uniforms at a time when household budgets across all income brackets are tightly squeezed, and they need immediate support," said Jayne Thompson from Parentkind.
"We are pleased that the Department of Education is looking at uniform grants, but to provide quick solutions, we seek to work with policymakers to help schools implement creative options to reduce the cost burden on parents.
"Such initiatives include empowering PTAs to establish pre-loved school uniform exchanges for which there is clearly a parental appetite. Such schemes not only assist families in managing their budgets but also help to reduce the community's carbon footprint."
Another idea supported by 84 per cent of polled parents is for school logos to be made available separately so they can be fixed onto plain-coloured clothing items.
PEG spokeswoman Naomi McBurney said the rising cost of uniforms was causing distress.
"This is a conversation that takes place every year in August – this year must see meaningful policy changes that will have the maximum impact for families across Northern Ireland, no matter their income," she added.
