School uniform and benefits

iluvmarmite

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

That surely should be for parents to organise and run between them, not have some poor teacher running a swap shop.

I have no advice for the OP but hope she manages to get everything OK.

I don't think it would take that much time and effort for a school secretary to print out a couple of posters asking for used uniforms to be donated and sticking it on the entry door or wall.

seven-day-weekend

annie1975 wrote: »

I didn't say teachers should run it???

I know you didn't but you did say the school should have it to help out parents, so it sounded that way.

HotBubblegum

Im glad im not alone. Its so frustrating! I havent done this on benefits before its a circumstance i find myself in at this time, so i had no idea that help towards cost of uniform as a one off was old fashioned. Plus ive only had a week and a half notice of what school she is attending.

shop-to-drop

Another thing you could try is to join the local freecycle and put a want on it. There must be loads of local people with old uniform knocking around. Have you also tried trawling the local charity shops.

annie1975_2

iluvmarmite wrote: »

When my Grandaughter changed school the uniform was specialist, the skirt has to have a ruffled hem and the shirts have to have a frilly collar, plus of course the blazer and logo tie, her mum can only buy these from the uniform shop as the supermarkets don't stock them, she asked the school if the had any donated items but was told the parents just don't do that anymore as they prefer to make some money on used items and sell them on face book groups and such like.

It's really awful when a parent can't afford the uniform, the child has to go to school so the only option really is to send them in what you can afford, which could result in the child feeling different and awkward and of course some kids can be cruel and pick on a child who is dressed differently.

I don't know why some schools go all out to make things difficult for parents who cannot afford the uniform they insist on, a white shirt, grey skirt, black tights and shoes should be efficient and looks smart so why make them buy very expensive blazers and ties, P.E. kits and usually school swimming costumes as well, it's not fair on those with a very low income.

I agree,when my youngest was in junior they had a green polo top and jumper with a logo on. had to go to school uniform shop.
And in High School £34 -£38 for a blazer with a badge on. What's wrong with a plain blazer and sew your own badge on,that could knock a few quid off the price.

Dunroamin

iluvmarmite wrote: »

When my Grandaughter changed school the uniform was specialist, the skirt has to have a ruffled hem and the shirts have to have a frilly collar, plus of course the blazer and logo tie, her mum can only buy these from the uniform shop as the supermarkets don't stock them, she asked the school if the had any donated items but was told the parents just don't do that anymore as they prefer to make some money on used items and sell them on face book groups and such like.

It's really awful when a parent can't afford the uniform, the child has to go to school so the only option really is to send them in what you can afford, which could result in the child feeling different and awkward and of course some kids can be cruel and pick on a child who is dressed differently.

I don't know why some schools go all out to make things difficult for parents who cannot afford the uniform they insist on, a white shirt, grey skirt, black tights and shoes should be efficient and looks smart so why make them buy very expensive blazers and ties, P.E. kits and usually school swimming costumes as well, it's not fair on those with a very low income.

What would they do PE in if they didn't have kit?

As I said earlier, people on low incomes receive quite a decent amount of CB/CTC to provide for the child, including buying its clothing.

annie1975_2

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I know you didn't but you did say the school should have it to help out parents, so it sounded that way.

No I meant parents and the kids could do it... In Australia they have a similar thing with school books.In high school,kids sell there old books to the younger kids and they put the money towards their new books...Saves an absolute fortune.

princessdon

Ask on free cycle - there will be some that have older children who can help. Also shoes, trainers and swim costume are not school specific Normally. Are you saying they ask for a set shoe? If not then their old shoes and trainers should be ok.

Same with blouses - did she not go to any school before? Can she not wear her old ones

Other than that I agree it's silly how much schools charge for named uniform and there is normally time to budget.

HotBubblegum

Dunroamin wrote: »

What would they do PE in if they didn't have kit?

As I said earlier, people on low incomes receive quite a decent amount of CB/CTC to provide for the child, including buying its clothing.

But I dont think they have a week and half notice to get it all in..plus although we dont have the same council tax to pay, we have the same household bills and living expenses. I had an outlook pretty much same as you, because i have been working all my life and providing for my daughter as a single parent for most of it. But unfortunatly until you have experienced something like this, you will never know just how hard it is!! Its certainly changed my outlook on unemployed.

princessdon

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Pack-Girls-Short-Sleeve-Blouses/dp/B001MXP5TA?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_4&nodeId=43634030&sr=1-4&qid=1359621536


Marks and spen have plenty of cheap blouses age 16 in stock and they are a generous fit. With quidco too should bring it down.