School uniform exchange scheme to help parents
Councillor sets up scheme which could expand
A LOUGHBOROUGH councillor has set up a uniform exchange scheme in the town to help parents save money on school uniforms.
The Uniform Exchange has been set up initially to help parents of children attending Thorpe Acre infants, Thorpe Acre Juniors and Boothwood.
Organisers are hoping to expand the scheme to further areas of Loughborough if it proves successful.
A spokesperson for the exchange group said: “The average cost of a school uniform in the UK is between £256 for primary school aged children and £338 for secondary school aged children, according to research done in 2018 by The Children’s Society.
“For families on a low income or with more than one child, this can put a massive strain on finances, and funding cuts from central government have resulted in councils finding it ‘increasingly difficult’ to provide grants for school uniforms.”
Labour councillor, Coun Kat Goddard, who represents the Ashby ward, and is also shadow support lead for young persons on Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I set up the uniform exchange because as a parent and a teacher, I know that the costs of uniform is high, and can cause some families to struggle, particularly with the ongoing Covid crisis.
This way, parents can save money, and help other parents save money at the same time.
“We can’t guarantee that everyone will be able to find what they need, as it depends on donations, but the more families that donate, the more choice we will have.”
Craig Jordan from The Ashby Road Estates Community Association, which is acting as a collection point for the uniform exchange, added: “The project aims to encourage parents to recycle and donate school uniform, rather than putting it in the bin. Many families struggle to get a full school uniform, because of tight budgets. With our community’s generosity, we can make sure old school uniform is still getting good use.”
The Uniform Exchange is holding Uniform Drop Off days on Friday, July 17, 24 and 31, at the Hut, on Old Ashby Road. Laundered uniform can be dropped off outside.
Collection days for parents to pick up uniform will be arranged as uniform becomes available.
Parents can email the exchange group directly on Uniform.Exchange. Lboro@gmail.com to request an order form, to arrange an alternative drop off or to request more information.