School uniform plan ‘will cost families more and be bad for environment’
SCHOOL uniform helps address inequality and gives children a sense of identity, the Welsh Government has said as it prepares to publish responses to its proposals to remove logos and branding.
Changes to school uniform statutory guidance in Wales are being considered to help families afford what can be a major expense.
But quality branded school uniform lasts longer than buying cheaper supermarket alternatives, which makes it cheaper as well as better for the environment in the long run, said Paul Easter, chairman of the Schoolwear Association.
“Options being considered include the use of school branding and whether schools should have no logo at all, or use ‘iron-on logos’ to be made available free of charge” the Welsh Government consultation says.
“This could give families the option to purchase school uniform at cheaper costs from a retailer of their choice.”
Mr Easter said the proposals may have “unintended consequences”. Defending branded items with badges, he said not every item has to have a badge, but wearing items such as a blazer or polo top with a school logo is important for children’s identity and gets them in the mindset of going to school and learning.
“A badge or logo helps identity, but does not need to be on every garment. The right choice is to spend a few pounds more to get a quality garment that will last.
“If you are serious about sustainability there’s nothing better than a good-quality branded garment that can be passed down.”
Mr Easter said iron-on or sew-on badges might not be a good option because some parents would not get around to doing it, or they might be done badly and look tatty, which could cause bullying.
Results of the Welsh Government’s consultation on proposals for school uniform guidance that aim to reduce costs for families are due out next month. The Welsh Government said it did not want to remove the requirement for school uniform, but the consultation looks at asking schools to consider cheaper supermarket versions and ditching logos.
Mr Easter insisted buying supermarket uniform or high-street clothes was a false economy.
“Branded school uniform is different from general fashion clothing. It is designed to wash well and to last for the 195 days of the school year and longer. School uniform is designed to last. The blazer gets a bad rap but our research shows new blazers are bought 2.4 times in a child’s entire school career.
“The average blazer costs no more than £35, can be washed and worn and still look good. You try to find a branded fashion jacket or supermarket jacket that would wear and last that long. The unintended costs on family finances are that fashion garments are not designed to last as long. School uniform is more sustainable because it is the perfect garment to reuse and pass on to siblings and friends.
“The reality is that high-street clothes are not designed to last so in the end they come with a higher price tag.”
Mr Easter said one school he knew of in England had reverted to branded school sports uniform after ditching it meant parents were nagged to buy alternative expensive designer sports labels. Children whose families could not afford more expensive labels felt embarrassed and left out.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We have recently completed a full public consultation on our plans to reduce the cost of school uniforms. This engaged with a range of people, including parents/carers, learners, and school uniform suppliers. We hope to publish the results of this consultation in March.
“There is no intention to remove the requirement of uniforms. We believe a uniform still very much has its place in schools, helping to create a sense of identity and removing inequalities. The aim of the consultation is to refocus school uniform priorities to consider the ongoing financial pressures facing families.”
Options being considered include the use of school branding and whether schools should have no logo at all, or use “iron-on” logos to be made available free of charge.
This could give families the option to purchase uniform at cheaper costs from a retailer of their choice.
It will also seek opinions on whether schools should enter into single supplier contracts.
There is no education legislation specifically covering wearing school uniform or other aspects of appearance such as hair colour and style and wearing jewellery or make-up.
But school governing bodies can specify a uniform which pupils are required to wear and other rules relating to appearance. So although it may not be law, it could be part of the school rules.
The Welsh Government provides statutory guidance to schools and governing bodies on school uniform and appearance policies.
Governing bodies are expected to have regard for the Welsh Government statutory guidance when implementing or changing their school’s uniform and appearance policy.