Without the last-minute rush of buying school uniforms, sewing / ironing / hammering on a thousand labels, back to school wouldn’t be complete. Many parents find it a burden on their lives and credit cards.
Some think uniforms for school are a wasteful use of time and money. Others argue that uniforms increase community and break down barriers between classes, as well as promoting disciplined learning.
Media coverage has been extensive about school uniform costs. New research shows that the School Uniform Grant (a national benefit established in 1980 to assist parents in clothing costs) is not available in over 80% English local authority areas.
One MP has even proposed introducing a new school uniform bill into parliament. It would limit the amount of uniforms that can be purchased from different suppliers, set a maximum cost for each item, restrict what items are required by schools and limit how many uniforms may be made available to them.
Here are some tips to make purchasing your child’s uniform easier on you and your wallet.
1/ Buy only what you really need in school uniforms
Here’s what you might need to buy from the school supplier. A couple of school jumpers/cardigans, Polo shirts, and a bag. A PE t-shirt, if it’s branded.
You can only buy what you need at the supermarkets or other shops.
This includes:
Pinafore, summer, and skirts for girls:
Shorts or trousers for boys
Boys school shirts
PE trousers / shorts/ jumpers
Coats
Tights/socks
A pinafore dress is a great choice for a girl. It will hide the logo and save you the cost of branded tshirts.
There are many schools that offer second hand sales, where you can find a lot of used branded uniforms. Talk to your school’s office to see if it is offering one. A local Facebook group could be a good place to post and ask if anyone has any uniforms.
2/ Get school uniform that is easy for your child
While it may be tempting to buy shoes with beautiful laces and buckles, your child should be able to put them on and take them off for PE. This is often difficult for children who are still young. Velcro shoes will be much more convenient for your child.
Trousers are a good choice for girls who go to PE. They’re also easier to remove than tights. You can also opt for zip-up summer dresses if your child is not comfortable with buttons.
3/ Early sales are a good idea
Many shops will have back-to school sales starting in summer. M&S typically does this in June. This is a great way to score a bargain and avoid panicking in August or Sept when stock runs out.
While it is unlikely that your child will outgrow the uniform, it can be worth purchasing a bigger size if possible. If they get too big, you can keep them in the closet until next year.
4/ You don’t need to spend a lot on shoes
Although your daughter may be desperate for the Disney shoes, they will look like roadkill in half a year if she’s anything similar to mine. Your child will scuff her shoes if she scoots to school, or if she uses them as breaks, then they’ll soon be worn out.
The school shoe selection at Supermarkets is great. They have a variety of shoes that are affordable and you might need to test them out. Asda is our favourite. You should also buy shoes in the summer before August ends. It is impossible to shop for shoes in August and your child’s feet won’t grow very fast in just one month.
5/ You should look for uniforms that are wrinkle-resistant so you don’t need to iron.
Ironing is not fun. It’s that simple.
6/ Select dark-coloured socks and tights
Many schools allow you to wear tights or socks in a variety of colours. Because white socks can get grubby quickly, particularly in winter and autumn, it is best to choose dark socks. Make sure to get your girls tights a size larger as they can shrink.
Buy different socks or tights if you have more than one child at the school. You won’t be able to remember which ones you bought.
7/ Label EVERYTHING
Even socks. Particularly socks, hats, scarves and snoods. You will never see your child again if you send them to school without labeling their gloves. If life is too short for you to sew or iron on, simply write their names on the actual clothing label in permanent ink. It’s done.
8/ Wash separately
This was a hard pill to swallow for me as I am very much a “chuck it all and hope for best” type of person. However, shiny white poloshirts can become dull and gray-looking in a matter of hours so be sure to wash them separately. You should also be careful with bright red jumpers or cardigans if your entire wardrobe has a pink hue.
What amount of school uniform should I purchase?
This will depend on how much your child enjoys throwing their school dinner over themselves each day. Here is a list of starters:
4-5 polo shirts
2-3 Cardigans / Jumpers
Trousers / Shorts / Dresses / Skirts
5-10 socks/tights
Do I buy school uniforms in quantity or quality?
The amount you have available and your personal preference will determine the choice. However, many parents combine both. Your child will wear his or her school uniform all the way to the ground, where it will be washed hundreds upon hundreds of times. You might not be able to keep the cheaper options in your child’s wardrobe for as long.
