AS the cost of essential items continues to soar and people are struggling for basics, ‘back to school’ could not have come at a worse time for thousands of struggling families across the district.

While school uniform is mandatory and pupils are expected to follow the dress code, some schools in Bradford have reconsidered their uniform policy to help struggling families.

The average school uniform and sportswear per child in secondary school costs, on average, £101.19, according to The Schoolwear Association.

Mohammed Azum, Headteacher at Carlton Bolling, a secondary school in Bradford, said: “We reviewed our uniform policy to have fewer branded items, to cut down the costs of uniform.

“We now only ask for a branded blazer and ties, as well as branded PE teacher.

“Everything else can be bought from any other outlet.

“We are advising people who are on free school meals that they are entitled to uniform vouchers to help with the cost of uniform, but If parents come to us, we can find a way to support them.”

Because the cost of uniforms is an added expense for thousands of families who are already struggling to make ends meet, one parent decided to set up a universal uniform swap group on Facebook, for people across Bradford.

Akala McConnachie set up ‘Bradford Uniform Help One Another’ in 2020 as parents who were out of work during the pandemic, raised concerns over uniform costs.

Akala said:” I had a lot of friends and people that were struggling with losing their job and having general anxieties about providing the best for their children.

“I knew people that just didn't have the finances to buy and order school uniforms at the beginning of August because that would mean they would be left with no money to food shop for that month.”

On the group, people can post what spare uniforms they have and what they need so other group members can either swap or take other uniforms off other people.

One parent who uses the group said: “I work full time and yet I'm worried how I’m going to afford a full uniform for my boy. This group has been a godsend over the last two years when I was made redundant due to covid19.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We know that the rapidly rising cost of living is making it tough for lots of families right now and we operate a number of schemes to help residents who would otherwise struggle to buy food, keep their home warm, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.

“Individual schools may be able to help with uniform costs. Many run uniform exchanges. Families that are struggling are advised to speak to their school about the support available.”

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