PA
The Local Government Association has warned headteachers that they have a 'moral responsibility' to make sure school uniform costs do not get out of control, particularly if a school changes its uniform as part of a conversion to academy status.
The LGA said that parents should not have to bear the financial burden of a school that is re-branding itself. If a school chooses to change their uniform - for example with a new emblem - they should restrict the new uniform requirements to just one or two items or badges that can be sewn on to clothing, it says.
The LGA claims the average cost of a school uniform is now more than £200 for secondary school pupils, and £160 for those in primary school.
It added that families to not have an 'endless pot of cash' to meet the costs of expensive uniform items.
Councillor David Simmonds, chair of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, told Sky News that schools should allow the purchase of their uniform items though multiple retailers rather than approved stockists, and that mums and dads should put pressure on their school to give them a good deal.
He said: "In the current education landscape dozens of schools across the country are changing their names or identities.
"It is understandable that many will want to mark this, but they need to remember that parents do not have an endless pot of cash for new school clothing.
"Headteachers have a moral responsibility to minimise any additional costs that occur because they change their name or status, for whatever reason."
Have you had to buy new uniform items after a school 're-brand'? And do you find the cost of branded items ridiculous?
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