New school uniform law to help millions of families - how it affects you

New school uniform laws will slash costs for parents of 4.2million children, new analysis has found.

Landmark legislation making its way through Parliament this week will see schools ordered to limit "branded" items of clothing - usually more expensive - to three, excluding ties. This will cut the cost of a back-to-school shop by around £50 per child, the Government says, as mums and dads will have more flexibility to shop around.

Analysis released by the Department for Education found 4.2million pupils across 8,000 schools will benefit. Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Looking smart at school shouldn’t cost the earth, and no parent should be forced to choose between buying family essentials and a school shirt or tie.

"Alongside our free breakfast clubs, these new laws will save parents hundreds of pounds a year, and make sure family finances have no bearing on children’s time at school." Last week free breakfast clubs launched in 750 schools in England and Wales - with ministers pledging to make these available to all.

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The DfE says parents currently have to shell out £442 on average to kit a child out for secondary school, and £343 for primary school. The limit on branded items is included in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which will be put to the House of Lords this week.

Exoerts warn school uniforms can be a source of anxiety to pupils, and in some cases even impacts on school attendance. Lynn Perry, chief executive of charity Barnardo’s, said: "It cannot be right that children are going to school wearing ill-fitted clothes or shoes due to the high cost of uniforms – but, as high prices continue to impact families, it’s yet another essential item that parents are struggling to afford.

“We look forward to seeing even bolder action in the upcoming child poverty strategy to tackle the number of children growing up in poverty.”

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