Schools told to make uniforms cheaper
Thursday, 4 October 2007 12:00 AM
State schools have been warned they must make uniforms affordable to all parents or risk penalties.
The government wants all schools to enforce a uniform, but said these should not be offered by official sole-suppliers, after concerns were raised schools were using expensive uniforms to price out pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
New guidance issued to schools today reminds governing bodies they have a statutory duty to ensure policies and practices do not discriminate under the Schools Admissions Codes.
Head teachers have also been warned that use of an official school supplier could fall foul of the Competition Act.
Schools minister Jim Knight said he strongly supports school uniforms and would like all pupils to wear them.
"But the cost of uniforms must never be a barrier for poorer families," he said.
Mr Knight continued: "There's an important balance to be struck between developing a smart, comfortable uniform and burdening parents with needless expense by insisting on bespoke designs, for instance.
"We will take action where schools have a uniform policy that is needlessly and prohibitively expensive, while the OFT has already written to schools warning that exclusive contracts with suppliers may contravene the Competition Act."
The Liberal Democrats argue some schools have been unacceptably using expensive uniforms as a covert means of selection.
Schools spokesman David Laws said: "The new admissions code must be rigorously enforced so that every school has a system that makes school uniforms affordable."
The government thinks uniforms encourage pride and unity among pupils and support a strong school ethos, as well as preventing jealousy, rivalry and conflict among children.
The Conservatives this week came out in support of blazers, arguing they could improve school discipline.
When pupils break uniform codes, the government says head teachers should be allowed to send them home to change, but must notify their parents and consider the age and safety of the pupil.
Today's guidance also encourages schools to consult with the community, parents and pupils when designing uniforms, but says the rights of an individual must be balanced against the whole community.
Mr Knight added: "Schools must make every effort to accommodate the cultural, religious or medical requirements of all pupils, and should consult widely when setting or amending the uniform.
"But we are clear that the needs of safety, security and effective teaching and learning must always be paramount - and these may supersede individual requests under the terms of the Human Rights Act."
Amid increasing concerns of youth crime, the guidance also states schools should discourage any clothing that could group pupils in gangs.
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