Uniform help is at hand
Thoughtful school staff are supporting families in need by introducing a uniform bank.
Girvan Academy staff are welcoming clothing donations to support those experiencing financial difficulties.
The school recognised that uniforms are costly not just at the start of the school year but also as children outgrow clothes or when replacement items are needed for those which are worn or damaged.
Depute Head Teacher Alex Scott said: “Our uniform policy was already as simple and straightforward as possible, for example, we do not have school blazers, accept polo and sweat shirts without the school logo and do not have a specific shoe policy – in an effort to make it as accessible as possible.
“We also already give discreet support to some pupils by laundering clothes and giving them replacements from the school store.
“Several parents commented to us that they had good-quality clothes which they thought could be used and passed to other families.
“We therefore have launched our school uniform bank, where items of new or goodquality school clothing can be donated and then redistributed.
“We like the recycling nature of this scheme and the fact that members of our school community are willing to anonymously help others.
“All requests for assistance will be handled confidentially and discreetly by a small team of staff.
“We hope that parents will feel that they can approach the school and ask for assistance if they need it.
“Likewise we welcome referrals from partner agencies such as Social Work, Food Bank, Stepping Stones for Families and others.”
The school have also tried to introduce further strategies to ensure no young person should feel disadvantaged, or unable to fully access school opportunities because of their family’s financial situation.
The Depute Head added: “Some of the measures we have put in place are: supplying all pupils with a free school tie, reducing the cost of school trips and ensuring that all trips and excursions have the facility for parents to pay up the cost.
“As well as reducing or removing the cost of school events such as concerts, dances, supplying stationery evquipment for pupils who need it and issuing scientific calculators and musical instruments to pupils on long-term loan.”
For more information on how to access the uniform bank or provide donations, please contact Mr Scott or Mrs Jardine on 01465 71816 or private message the school’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Friendsofgirvanacademy/