The impact of school uniform policies and uncapped costs will be the focus of an event at Stormont on Wednesday.
Figures from the education sector, politicians, young people and community organisations are to come together to discuss the issue of increasing school uniform costs.
The roundtable conversation, Dressed for School, organised by Save the Children NI also aims to examine the changes that could be made.
It comes as recent research from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) estimates it costs families £864.87 to send a child to primary school and £1,755.97 for a post-primary pupil – that is to meet minimum educational needs.
School uniforms are one of the most expensive elements of education at an estimated annual cost of £352.86 for a primary school child and £481.77 for a post-primary child.
Save the Children NI said it believes "uniforms are not simply a summer issue" and schools "should be brave and lead change now".
Read more:
- Parents want flexible, inclusive school uniform policies, says survey
- Six in ten parents struggling with cost of school uniforms according to poll
Naomi McBurney from the charity said: “This is a crucial conversation that can’t be confined to the summer.
"We know from our research that one in three parents borrow money to afford their child’s uniform or kit, while others are cutting back on essentials to ensure their children have all they need for school.
“These uncapped costs aren’t sustainable for families and create a barrier to some young people’s education.
"We’re recommending the introduction of statutory guidance for school uniform policies with an embedded price cap as soon as Stormont is restored.
“While we wait for political action, we are calling on schools to take urgent action and review their current arrangements ensuring the needs of children and families are put first.
"The public want action to tackle the financial burden and families urgently need a reasonable approach that places their needs at the forefront of decision-making.”
Among those who will be at the event is Barbara Smith, project co-ordinator for the Scaffolding Project in east Belfast.
"This event is an important opportunity to highlight the impact of current uniform policy and explore options to regulate and reduce costs," she said.
"Families should not have to borrow money to buy school uniform or budget their electric bill to cover the costs.
“Children should not be excluded from participation or choose to remain at home because they don’t have the ‘right’ kit.
"It is time to find a way to reduce unnecessary financial pressure on families and to ensure every child has equal opportunity to participate in school life.”
Paul Doherty, manager of Foodstock in west Belfast, said "through our work we see the huge demand that exists for affordable school uniforms and the pressure that the current system puts on families".
"Every year we are being visited by more and more parents struggling as they simply cannot afford to keep up with these prices," he said.
“This is where pre-loved uniform hubs like the one at Foodstock have provided a real lifeline for many.
"It’s easy to dismiss this issue if you’re not directly impacted but at Foodstock we see this as a direct obstacle put in the way of a child’s education and we demand action."
