Schoolwear Association Campaign to make Quality Uniforms Affordable

Parente urged to sign petition for national school uniform voucher scheme 

The Schoolwear Association has launched a national campaign to make school uniform more affordable for hardworking families.

The Association, whose members clothe three-quarters of Britain’s schoolchildren, wants the Government to introduce a scheme similar to childcare vouchers to make school uniform tax deductible.

It is urging parents to sign an e-petition to bring the idea to the attention of the Prime Minister at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/65790

Matthew Easter, Chair of the Schoolwear Association, said: “Studies show that children do better at school and are happier when they have good quality school uniform. We know for many families, purchasing school uniform can sometimes be a worry, and think the Government should help by providing for a tax-exempt voucher scheme along the lines of childcare vouchers. It’s good for education, good for children and good for hardworking families.”

If approved, the scheme would allow workers at participating employers to receive a small part of their salary each month as vouchers, redeemable at participating schoolwear suppliers.

The campaign has already attracted key support from the UK’s number one ‘dad’ website dadzclub.com whose founder, Craig Hodgson, said: “We think it's a great initiative and are fully behind it. School uniform is something to be proud of but it can also be a costly affair for parents. This scheme will certainly help parent budget and plan for those torn trousers and lost jumpers.”

Another precedent for the idea is the Cycle to Work scheme where employees are provided with a new bike, paid for with a small amount of tax-free money from their salary each month.

According to behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, a smart looking, hard wearing and well fitting uniform has a significant impact on children’s happiness at school. She says badged uniform that is specially made for the school is better than off-the-shelf ‘greywear’ because it means children all wear exactly the same and have a sense of belonging.

Children spend more time in school uniform than in their own clothes. A poll for the Schoolwear Association showed the average child wears his or her uniform for 10 hours a day (1,500 hours a year), and it has to stand up to the rigours of everyday school life. Children get through on average four pieces of uniform a year.

The Schoolwear Association campaigns to educate parents and teachers about the value of good quality, smart-looking, long-lasting uniform, rather than opting for the cheapest garments on the shelf.

The Association represents businesses nationwide involved in the manufacture and supply of school specific uniform from manufacturers to wholesalers, independent retailers and direct-to-school suppliers. All members agree to a Code of Practice. Established in 2006, the Schoolwear Association is run on an entirely voluntary basis by some of the sector’s most experienced professionals.

www.schoolwearassociation.co.uk

ENDS

For further information and photos please contact Bridget Summers on 01723 447424 or email: bridget@footprintpr.org.uk

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