Proposals could see logos dropped from school uniforms

DITCHING school uniform logos has been proposed by the Welsh Government as a means of cutting the cost of kitting out children for school.

Generic school clothes could be brought more cheaply from mass retailers rather than smaller stores under the plans put forward by Wales’ education cabinet secretary Kirsty Williams.

She has also suggested that schools which wanted to keep a logo could provide them free of charge for parents to sew onto their children’s uniforms.

Other proposals include making uniforms “gender-neutral”.

Pupils, teachers, school leaders, parents and others are being asked their views in the Welsh Government consultation which follows mounting controversy over school uniform.

Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams said making school uniform more affordable, available, gender-neutral and, in extreme weather conditions, flexible are the four main aims of the consultation.

It will ask views on draft statutory guidance that would see “a more consistent approach when school governing bodies set school uniform and appearance policy”.

Under the new guidance, governing bodies would be expected to consider ways of keeping down the costs of school uniform.

These could include stipulating basic items and colours but not styles are worn.

This would mean that items could be bought from chain stores at reasonable prices and not just from one supplier.

Schools would also be “encouraged” to consider whether school logos are strictly necessary and, if so, whether they should be restricted to just one item of uniform or provided free of charge and sewed, ironed or stuck onto items of clothing.

Governing bodies will also be asked to consider whether there is a need for different uniforms for summer and winter.

They would also need to think about equality and issues like discrimination on grounds of race or religious belief, disability and sex and gender identity.

Governors will be asked to consider taking into account genderneutral school uniform items and how they can meet the needs of pupils undergoing gender reassignment.

Parents and carers can get £125 to help cover the cost of school uniforms, sports kit and kit for sports and activities outside of school such as Scouts and Guides.

A £1.7m Welsh Government fund was set up earlier this year to help parents and carers with the cost of uniform and sports kit children need.

■ To take part in the consultation visit: https://beta.gov. wales/guidance-school-governing-bodies-school-uniformand-appearance-policies