Newtown parents are being encouraged to take part in a consultation about how school uniforms worn by local schoolchildren can be made more affordable.
Mid and West Wales AM, Eluned Morgan, is urging people in Powys to take part in the Welsh Government consultation.
“Making school uniform more affordable, available, gender-neutral and, in extreme weather conditions, flexible are the four key aims of a consultation seeking the views of local parents and pupils,” she said.
Under the new guidance, governing bodies would be expected to consider ways of keeping down the costs of school uniform. These could include stipulating basic items and colours but not styles; this would mean that items could be bought from multiple retail chains at reasonable prices and not just from one supplier.
Schools would also be encouraged to consider whether school logos are strictly necessary and, if so, whether they should be restricted to just one item of uniform or provided free of charge and sewed, ironed or stuck onto items of clothing.
Eluned Morgan said: “Local families face vastly different costs when it comes to school uniform. More needs to be done to ensure that school uniform is more affordable. By putting in place legal guidance the Welsh Government are showing they understand this.
“But this also about more than just practical considerations; this is about equality and pupils’ wellbeing. I don’t want learners in Powys, for whatever reason, to feel uncomfortable about wearing their uniform. That’s why it’s so important that as many young people as possible take part too which is why I am encouraging people to share their views.”
