HUNDREDS of children in Wokingham have received thousands of items of free clothing as families struggle to afford new school uniforms.
First Days’ new school uniform shop, at the charity’s Elevate Centre, has provided more than 400 children with branded blazers, jumpers, ties, shirts, skirts, trousers and shoes ahead of the new term this month.
Emma Cantrell, founder of the charity, said this kind of support shouldn’t be necessary.
“We need to stop normalising charities giving out school uniforms to families who can’t afford them,” said Ms Cantrell.
“Everyone should be able to afford essentials.
“We at First Days have had to give out uniforms to over 400 children in the last few weeks.
“We shouldn’t have to exist at all.”
In November last year, the government’s Department for Education published statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms.
The guidance requires schools to make uniform costs reasonable, remove unnecessary brands and allow more high-street options such as supermarket branded items.
It also encourages schools to prioritise cost and value for money when choosing a supplier, bearing in mind quality and durability.
Schools should also ensure second-hand uniforms are available to buy with clear information to parents on how to purchase them.
Ms Cantrell would like to see schools be more proactive in response to the guidance.
She said: “It’s very disappointing when schools don’t respond to the government guidance.
“There are lots of different school uniforms in the area and some are unnecessarily expensive, especially when every item of clothing is branded.
“Having school logos embroidered on items pushes up the price.”
First Days is still accepting donations of school uniforms with a particular need for logo’d uniforms for Wokingham secondary schools.
Donations can be made at the charity’s headquarters by booking an appointment online.
Alternatively, small items can be left in the charity’s orange donation bins at Tesco Wokingham, Sainsbury’s Winnersh and Morrisons Woosehill.
For more information, visit: firstdays.net
