The uncapped cost of school uniforms is "causing harm to children", a number of charities have warned.
In a letter sent to the permanent secretary of the Department of Education, they say that some families are at "breaking point" over the cost of uniforms and warned that "children are not immune to their parents' financial difficulties".
It comes after a recent poll by Save the Children, conducted by LucidTalk, revealed that one in three parents have had to borrow money to be able to afford their children’s uniforms and PE kits.
The majority of parents in Northern Ireland (60%) said they find it financially challenging to cover the costs of their children's school uniform.
The poll also found that some families were even having to cut back on food to make ends meet.
Save the Children NI, which is among the charities to sign the letter to the department, said it is aware officials are preparing an options paper on reviewing current uniform guidance for the next minister.
It said it wants to "take this opportunity to urge the permanent secretary to write to boards of governors and encourage them to conduct a 'Child’s Rights Impact Assessment' on their existing policies".
We’ve written this letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education, which has been co-signed by a host of other NI charities. It’s urging specific action on school uniform policies. Have a read & share if it lands with you. pic.twitter.com/QiVJjPFyEH
— Save the Children Northern Ireland (@SCUKNI) October 18, 2023
Naomi McBurney from Save the Children said: “The issue of expensive school uniforms and the financial strain that many families face is well documented and understood by decision-making stakeholders.
"Too much time has passed where no action has been taking and children and families are bearing the brunt of this inaction.
Read more:
Six in ten parents struggling with cost of school uniforms according to poll
Parents want flexible, inclusive school uniform policies, says survey
“Although we remain without an Executive to introduce legislation around the issue, individual schools can begin to consider their policies and the impact they are having.
“From our research we know the current school uniform arrangements are out of step with what children need, and what the public expect from decision-making stakeholders.”
