3. Councilor Knight’s letter to Secondary Headteachers
4. School Uniform pledge from Headteachers
5. School Uniform Support Flyer
 |
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 |
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 |
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Appendix 6
Background Documents:
None
|
The cost of secondary school uniform |
||||
|
Date of Meeting: |
8 March 2021 |
|||
|
Report of: |
Executive Director Families Children & Learning |
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|
Contact Officer: |
Name: |
Mark Storey |
Tel: |
01273 294410 |
|
|
Email: |
mark.storey@brighton-hove.gov.uk |
||
|
Ward(s) affected: |
All Wards |
|||
FOR GENERAL RELEASE
1. PURPOSE OF REPORT AND POLICY CONTEXT
1.1 This report has been produced as a result of the Labour Group recommendation to reduce the costs of secondary school uniform in Brighton and Hove presented at the Children and Young People Committee on 9th January 2021.
1.2 This report:
Ø details the uniform policy and associated costs for a pupil in each local authority secondary school, voluntary sector secondary school and secondary academy in our city;
Ø describes the support currently available for any families experiencing economic hardship and struggling to ensure compliance with the uniform policy for their school;
Ø provides options to further reduce the financial burden of school uniform requirements on disadvantaged families (to be explored in partnership with school head teachers and governors).
2. RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 That the report is noted and referred to for consideration.
2.2 That the committee note that further options to be discussed with secondary school Headteachers and Governors include:
· More detailed information to be provided on school websites to support families in accessing cheaper school uniform.
· For secondary schools to consider the number of branded items required, removing these where at all possible so that uniform cost is minimised.
· That secondary schools do not frequently change their uniform requirements for pupils.
3. CONTEXT/ BACKGROUND INFORMATION
3.1 The government recognises that uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of a school and setting an appropriate tone. Many Headteachers believe that school uniform is a social leveller that benefits all pupils. School uniform policy is determined by the school leadership and governing body of each individual school.
3.2 The issues around school uniform costs and the implications of these on families have been communicated to leaders and governors through the Poverty Proofing Programme (see Appendix 1). Subsequent communications have followed in order to keep the issue high profile.
3.3 School uniform is decided by Headteachers and their Governing body. Schools report they are keen to support any family who struggle to have correct school uniform.
3.4 Following the Poverty Proofing recommendations, secondary schools reviewed their uniform policies (Appendix 2). They considered how to provide a smart, practical, affordable school uniform, while maintaining each school’s unique identity. Specifically, they considered reducing the number of items requiring logos. Items without logos are less expensive, can be brought from multiple outlets and allow uniform to be recycled between pupils in different schools.
3.5 Schools have indicated on their website whether items are compulsory, optional and whether non-branded alternatives can be worn. There are minimal gender specific items of clothing for all school.
3.6 Headteachers are acutely aware of the financial burden on some families of providing school uniform. These will be exacerbated by the challenges faced as a result of Covid-19.
3.7 All schools make strenuous efforts to offer pre-loved uniform to families, often supported by their parents’ associations. Schools also offer financial support to families to spread the cost of uniform, and many will buy items of uniform outright for targeted families.
3.8 This issue has been previously discussed between Councillors and the ten secondary Headteachers. This was followed up with a letter last year by Councillor Kate Knight (See appendix 3). As a result, the secondary Headteachers signed a collective pledge to help families struggling to pay for school uniform (See Appendix 4).
The pledge from secondary Heads states: “Each of us leads a different school serving a different local community. So, we do things differently. Supporting struggling families with the cost of school uniform is one such thing. However, this does not prevent us from offering the following collective pledge. If you are struggling with the cost of school uniform we will help.” Schools are clear that they have systems to support families.
3.9 All secondary schools have a named contact who will support parents with uniform if where necessary. For example they are aware of charities (see appendix 5) in Brighton and Hove that can support with supplying uniform.
3.10 The charity Smarter Uniforms has launched their own dedicated e-commerce site where they sell low-cost school uniforms and have eight school partners across the city from which they collect donated uniforms. They are also able to provide free uniforms via referrals from community organisations across the city. (See Appendix 6).
3.11 Secondary schools have been asked to consider cheaper alternatives to suppliers (See Appendix 2) e.g. supermarkets and/or allowing parents to pay for uniform in instalments to spread the cost.
3.12 Secondary schools were asked to consider the use of sanctions for incorrect uniform. Headteachers recognise that this may be beyond the individual student’s control and are committed to supporting families in need.
Brighton and Hove City Councillors have supported a bill put forward in Parliament by Mike Amesbury MP calling on the government to put a legal limit on the number of more expensive branded items required for a school uniform. https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2020/council-calls-cheaper-school-uniforms
3.13 Phase two of a fully funded Poverty Proofing Programme (Appendix 1) is scheduled to take place in the Spring Term of 2021 in response to the pandemic to support schools in identifying strategies to best aid children living in poverty, including the issue of school uniform.
4. CONCLUSION:
4.1 There is a commitment across the city, from Councillors, council offciers and the Secondary School Partnerships to continue to work together on the issue of reducing school uniform costs.
4.2 Further discussions will take place between council officers and secondary Heads regarding this matter to reduce costs for families.
5. FINANCIAL & OTHER IMPLICATIONS:
5.1 There are no direct financial implications on central local authority budgets identified within the report. However, secondary schools may incur costs in supporting disadvantaged families with the costs.
Finance Officer Consulted: Steve Williams Date: 14/01/21
6.0 Legal Implications:
6.1 It is for the governing body of a school to decide whether there should be a school uniform policy and if so what that should be. This flows from the duties placed upon all governing bodies under section 88 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to ensure that school policies promote good behaviour and discipline amongst the pupil body.
6.2 The School Admissions Code 2014 states that admission authorities must ensure that policies around school uniform do not discourage parents from applying for a place for their child. This is reinforced in DfE Guidance on School Uniform (September 2013) which states that “no school uniform should be so expensive as to leave pupils or their families feeling unable to apply to, or attend, a school of their choice, due to the cost of the uniform. School governing bodies should therefore give high priority to cost considerations”.
Lawyer Consulted: Serena Kynaston Date:11/02/2021
7.0 Equalities Implications:
7.1 Issues around uniform could impact on pupils’ attendance and engagement in learning if they do not have access or funding to acquire the specified uniform.
8.0 Sustainability Implications:
8.1 We are currently unaware of sustainability implications. However, reusing and recycling of school uniform is being promoted in our city’s schools. (See Appendix 5)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Appendices:
Poverty Proofing the School Day is a project developed by Children North East. The project provides a toolkit to reduce stigma around poverty, remove barriers to learning and assist schools in exploring the most effective ways to spend their pupil premium allocation. Poverty Proofing the School Day consists of an audit for each individual school, providing questions to ask of pupils, staff, parents and governors. The result is an action plan tailored to each individual school to address any stigmatising policies or practices.
|
Schools |
Link to school policy |
Where to buy |
School insignia |
Price |
|
jacket |
from £13 |
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|
|
Only items with compulsory next to them need to be purchase from Khalsa everything else is optional/ can be purchased from any supplier |
School also support families each year with a hardship fund that can be accessed for uniforms - this supports families in need each year and is worth £5000. |
Compulsory - jumper |
from £23.20 |
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|
|
tie |
£4.50 |
|
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|
|
long sleeved shirts (twin pack) |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
short sleeved shirts (twin pack) |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
short sleeved blouses (twin pack) |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
boys slim trousers |
from £14.50 |
|
|
|
|
senior boys slim trousers |
from £17 |
|
|
|
|
senior boys regular trousers |
from £17 |
|
|
|
|
girls slim trousers |
from £18 |
|
|
|
|
kilt |
from £28 |
|
|
|
|
Y7 PE polo |
from £16.50 |
|
|
|
|
y8-11 PE polo |
from £16.50 |
|
|
|
|
PE sweatshirt |
from £13 |
|
|
|
|
PE shorts |
from £12 |
|
|
|
|
skort |
from £14.50 |
|
|
|
|
training pants |
from £14 |
|
|
|
|
sport leggings |
from £17.50 |
|
|
|
|
games socks |
from £6.50 |
|
|
|
|
short socks |
from £7.50 |
|
|
|
|
knee high socks |
from £7.50 |
|
https://www.sussexuniforms.co.uk/collections/brighton-aldridge |
boys blazer |
from £29.95 |
||
|
|
|
|
girls blazer |
from 29.95 |
|
|
|
|
jumper |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
tie |
£7.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys shirt (twin pack) |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
tie collar blouse (twin pack) |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys suit trousers |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys shorts |
from £17.95 |
|
|
|
|
skirt |
from £18.95 |
|
|
|
|
girls suit trousers |
from £22.95 |
|
|
|
|
socks (3pack) |
from £5.95 |
|
|
|
|
tights ( twin pack) |
£5.95 |
|
|
|
|
Dr. Martens |
£94.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior boys shoes |
£44.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior boys shoes - wider fit |
£39.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior girls shoes |
£49.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE polo |
from £25.95 |
|
|
|
|
training pants |
from £22.95 |
|
|
|
|
sports leggings |
from £17.95 |
|
|
|
|
football socks |
from £5.95 |
|
|
|
|
trainers |
from £29.99 |
|
|
|
|
football boots |
from £35.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE bag |
£3.95 |
|
|
|
|
gum shield |
£4.50 |
|
|
|
|
scientific calculator |
£16.95 |
|
Uniform | Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Hove, East Sussex, UK (cncs.co.uk) |
https://www.sussexuniforms.co.uk/collections/cardinal-newman |
polo (different colour for each year) |
from £9.95 |
|
|
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|
|
jumper (different colour for each year) |
from £12.95 |
|
|
|
|
skirt |
from £26.95 |
|
|
|
|
tights ( twin pack) |
£5.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior girls trousers |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
slim fit senior boys trousers |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
sturdy fit senior boys trousers |
from £21.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys shorts |
from £16.95 |
|
|
|
|
socks (3pack) |
from £5.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys PE top |
from £14.95 |
|
|
|
|
girls PE top |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
football shorts |
from £7.95 |
|
|
|
|
rugby shorts |
from £10.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE fleece |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys tracksuit top |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
year 10/11 PE hoodie |
£18.95 |
|
|
|
|
rugby shirt |
from £18.95 |
|
|
|
|
skort |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
training pants |
from £23.95 |
|
|
|
|
sports leggings |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE rain jacket |
from £22.95 |
|
|
|
|
dance tshirt |
from £8.95 |
|
|
|
|
football socks |
from £5.95 |
|
|
|
|
games socks (3pack) |
£7.95 |
|
|
|
|
trainers |
from £29.95 |
|
|
|
|
football boots |
from £35.95 |
|
|
|
|
shin pads |
£13.95 |
|
|
|
|
gum shield |
£4.50 |
|
sweatshirt |
from £15.50 |
|||
|
|
|
|
Stringer sweatshirt |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
polo |
from £7.95 |
|
|
|
|
fitted polo |
£8.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE polo |
from £7.95 |
|
|
|
|
1/4 zip mid layer |
from £21.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE shorts |
from £6.95 |
|
|
|
|
track pants (optional) |
from £18.95 |
|
|
|
|
Leggings (optional) |
from £18.95 |
|
|
|
|
Socks (discontinued) |
from £6.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE socks |
from £6.95 |
|
https://www.logosports.co.uk/blank/Hove-Park-Secondary-School?c=2890522&pn=1 |
PE shorts |
from £3.75 |
||
|
|
|
|
rugby shirt |
from £19.50 |
|
|
|
|
PE socks |
from £5 |
|
|
|
|
PE t shirt |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
PE vest |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
midlayer |
from £18.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE skort |
from £14.75 |
|
|
|
|
girls leggings |
from £19.35 |
|
https://www.logosports.co.uk/blank/Kings-High-School?c=2890537&pn=1 |
girls PE polo |
from £14 |
||
|
|
|
|
PE half zip |
from £16 |
|
|
|
|
girls PE skort |
from £14.75 |
|
|
|
|
rugby shirt |
from £19.50 |
|
|
|
|
football socks |
from £4 |
|
|
|
|
PE shorts |
from £5.50 |
|
|
|
|
boys PE polo |
from £14 |
|
|
|
|
tie |
from £6.50 |
|
|
|
|
girls blazer |
from £36 |
|
|
|
|
boys blazer |
from £36 |
|
|
|
|
jumper |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
cardigan |
from £15 |
|
|
|
|
girls long sleeved shirt |
from £13 |
|
|
|
|
girls short sleeved shirt |
from £13 |
|
|
|
|
boys long sleeved shirt |
from £14.50 |
|
|
|
|
boys short sleeved shirt |
from £14.50 |
|
|
|
|
sports leggings |
from £17 |
|
|
|
|
trousers |
from £16.50 |
|
|
|
|
PE locker bag |
from £15 |
|
|
|
|
rucksack |
from £10 |
|
|
|
|
skirt |
from £23 |
|
School Uniform - Longhill High School |
https://www.sussexuniforms.co.uk/collections/longhill-high-school |
boys blazer |
from £31.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
girls blazer |
from £31.95 |
|
|
|
|
jumper |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
tie |
£6.50 |
|
|
|
|
boys shirt (twin pack) |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
tie collar blouse (twin pack) |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
slim fit senior boys trousers |
from £17.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys shorts |
from £17.95 |
|
|
|
|
skirt |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior girls trousers |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
tights (twin pack) |
£5.95 |
|
|
|
|
socks (3pack) |
from £5.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys shoes - wider fit |
from £39.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys shoes - slip on |
from £44.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys shoes - lace up |
from £44.95 |
|
|
|
|
Dr Martens |
£94.95 |
|
|
|
|
girls shoes |
£49.95 |
|
|
|
|
dance jumper |
from £14.95 |
|
|
|
|
dance tshirt |
from £10.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys PE top |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE shorts |
from £11.50 |
|
|
|
|
girls PE top |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE skort |
from £17.50 |
|
|
|
|
fleece |
from £21.95 |
|
|
|
|
tracksuit bottoms |
from £21.50 |
|
|
|
|
PE leggings |
from £20.50 |
|
|
|
|
football socks |
from £5.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE rain jacket |
from £16.95 |
|
|
|
|
trainers |
from £29.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE bag |
£3.95 |
|
|
|
|
shin pads |
£13.95 |
|
Uniform and Equipment - Patcham High School |
https://www.logosports.co.uk/create/Patcham-High-School?c=2890542&pn=1 |
skirt |
from £20 |
|
|
|
|
|
polo |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
ladies polo |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
support student polo |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
ladies support polo |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
lead student polo |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
ladies lead student polo |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
cardigan |
from £17.25 |
|
|
|
|
sweatshirt |
from £11 |
|
|
|
|
lead student sweatshirt |
from £11 |
|
|
|
|
PE t shirt |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
Dance tshirt |
from £10 |
|
|
|
|
PE hoodie |
from £13 |
|
|
|
|
dance sweatshirt |
from £12 |
|
|
|
|
PE shorts |
from £3.75 |
|
|
|
|
football socks |
from £4 |
|
|
|
|
fleece |
from £11.50 |
|
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) - Uniform & Equipment |
https://www.sussexuniforms.co.uk/collections/portslade-aldridge |
boys blazer |
from £36.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
girls blazer |
from £36.95 |
|
|
|
|
jumper |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
tie |
£5.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys suit trousers |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
girls suit trousers |
from £22.95 |
|
|
|
|
skirt |
from £16.95 |
|
|
|
|
shirts (twin pack) |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
tie collar blouse (twin pack) |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
socks (3pack) |
from £5.95 |
|
|
|
|
tights (twin pack) |
£5.95 |
|
|
|
|
Dr Martens |
£94.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior boys shoes - slip on |
from £44.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior boys shoes - wider fit |
from £39.95 |
|
|
|
|
senior girls shoes |
from £44.95 |
|
|
|
|
boys PE top |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
girls PE top |
from £15.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE shorts |
from £10.95 |
|
|
|
|
sweat track top |
from £21.95 |
|
|
|
|
training pants |
from £22.95 |
|
|
|
|
PE leggings |
from £19.95 |
|
|
|
|
sports sock |
from £6.95 |
|
|
|
|
games sock (3pack) |
from £7.95 |
|
|
|
|
shin pads |
£13.95 |
|
|
|
|
gum shield |
£4.50 |
|
|
|
|
PE bag |
£3.95 |
|
|
|
|
trainers |
from £29.95 |
|
|
|
|
football boots |
from £35.95 |
|
|
|
|
rugby boots |
from £34.95 |
|
|
|
|
scientific calculator |
£16.95 |
|
Varndean School - Uniform |
boys blazer |
from £38 |
||
|
|
|
|
girls blazer |
from £38 |
|
|
|
|
jumper |
from £18 |
|
|
|
|
cardigan |
from £19 |
|
|
|
|
tie |
from £6.50 |
|
|
|
|
long sleeved shirt (twin pack) |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
short sleeved shirts (twin pack) |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
long sleeved blouse (twin pack) |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
short sleeved blouse (twin pack) |
from £13.50 |
|
|
|
|
boys slim fit trousers |
from £14.50 |
|
|
|
|
senior boys slim fit / regular trousers |
from £17 |
|
|
|
|
girls slim fit trousers |
from £18 |
|
|
|
|
skirt |
from £15 |
|
|
|
|
PE jacket |
from £28 |
|
|
|
|
long sleeved PE top |
from £21 |
|
|
|
|
base layer top |
from £18 |
|
|
|
|
PE polo |
from £17 |
|
|
|
|
PE shorts |
from £11.50 |
|
|
|
|
plain PE shorts |
from £8 |
|
|
|
|
sports leggings |
from £13 |
|
|
|
|
base layer leggings |
from £20 |
|
|
|
|
games socks |
from £7.35 |
|
|
|
|
short socks |
from £7.50 |
|
|
|
|
knee high socks |
from £7.50 |
|
|
|
|
tights |
from £6 |
|
|
|
|
ALL SCHOOLS REQUIRE CLOTHES |
|
|
|
|
|
TO HAVE NAME TAGS/LABELS. |
FROM £4.50 |
3. Councilor Knight’s letter to Secondary Headteachers
4. School Uniform pledge from Headteachers
5. School Uniform Support Flyer
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
Appendix 6
Background Documents:
None