School uniform - say no to expensive and unnecessary logos
School uniform - say no to expensive and unnecessary logos
Why this petition matters
Parents have received an email this morning from Wickersley School and Sports College stating that they are introducing branded trousers and skirts from September 2021 (including Y6 transition for next month). They then plan to change school jumpers and PE kit from September 2022.
Whilst I agree with school uniforms and our children looking smart, logos on trousers and skirts are an unnecessary cost for already struggling parents. Many of us have been furloughed, have had reduced hours and have lost our jobs during this pandemic. Now is not the time to be forcing parents to buy uniform from a very limited number of expensive suppliers.
Feedback from other parents describes these branded trousers and skirts as three times more expensive than supermarket alternatives. They have also stated they are poor fitting, poor quality and do not last.
Parents have already started buying uniform for their year 6 children for next months transition start as this news has only just been announced. Parents of children already in the school have bought uniform this year for it to be barely used and now cannot be passed down to younger siblings.
Helping them catch up with their learning after closures should be their priority, not logos and branding.
Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021 recognised the costs parents face for school uniform, particularly for branded items, and the statutory guidance will tell schools to consider high street alternatives. Have the Wickersley partnership trust not considered this? Why change this now in a pandemic and in light of this new guidance?
Decision-Makers
- Wickersley Parnership Trust
- Wickersley school and sports college