Legal action against School due to the cost of School uniforms, Please advise

barbarawright

I'm sure people remember the collapse of the clothing factory in Bangladesh a few months ago. Shirts sold here for £1 aren't likely to have been made in the best conditions and are probably made by children younger than the ones wearing them. Being MSE doesn't mean one has to abandon one's ethics entirely...

moomoomama27

MarilynMonroe wrote: »

£100 for a pe kit????? Was it Chanel or something?

Ours was green knickers and a yellow t shirt (1 of each) a skirt you made yourself and a optional tracksuit, the lot (minus knickers) lasted you the full 5 years.

I wish! Polo top, shorts, rugby top, all weather jacket and track suit trousers, all compulsory all logo'd! Then on top of this £30 trainers I was cross at this, as she hasnt worn 2 of the items!! But in the 3 years she's been there I've not had to replace anything!

aliasojo

saayinla wrote: »

I have just started a GDL hence my straight thinking of taking legal action which I know will be appreciated by any affected parents.

Do you think perhaps this has meant you are on a 'mission' more than anything else?

The vast majority of parents on this thread (who are the 'affected' parents you talk of) don't agree with you that this is an issue. Certainly not an issue worthy of action.

peachyprice

MarilynMonroe wrote: »

So how manby of you are paying for your kids uniforms on credit cards and the like?

Why would that be necessary? School uniform is hardly an unexpected expenses, I kinda knew the minute they were lifted out that they would need things like clothes and shoes and uniform.

kafkathecat

barbarawright wrote: »

I'm sure people remember the collapse of the clothing factory in Bangladesh a few months ago. Shirts sold here for £1 aren't likely to have been made in the best conditions and are probably made by children younger than the ones wearing them. Being MSE doesn't mean one has to abandon one's ethics entirely...

Unless clothes have a fairtrade mark there is no evidence that any of the extra cost goes to the people that make them. In the past there has been a lot of publicity about expensive brands exploiting workers too.

Tiddlywinks

MarilynMonroe wrote: »

On a side note I think uniform full stop for those under 7 is IMO is abit sad.(And I never wore uniform untill I was 11) I was just reading a website for a local preschool, primary and no bright shoes are allowed, I mean no individuallity whatsoever! Seeing a 4 year old trotting off for a full day at school in a drab bland navy uniform makes me feel sad for them. Are we making just work drones for the future who are all conditioned the same? I am thinking so.

I don't see anything wrong wilth setting some rules for primary school children... It's a great age to learn that sometimes you have to do stuff you don't really want to do.

So, the colours of the uniform are 'drab' - they have the time after school and their weekends to express their individuality with clothing.

Looking like 'a work drone' at school is an OTT expression though.... wearing a uniform is just about setting a common standard - the clue is in the name... 'Uniform' as in one format for all.

securityguy

aliasojo wrote: »

Do you think perhaps this has meant you are on a 'mission' more than anything else?

The vast majority of parents on this thread (who are the 'affected' parents you talk of) don't agree with you that this is an issue. Certainly not an issue worthy of action.

If the OP thinks that bringing legal action against a school (ie, costing the school money that could be spent on education instead) would be popular with parents, I suggest they try it and find out. Anyone who's been around schools for a while will know how unpopular parents with chips on their shoulder generally are.

pmlindyloo

Haven't read the whole thread so forgive me if this has already been mentioned.

The price of school uniform has been a concern for some time especially where the school restricts purchase to one outlet.

Whilst researching this I came across a very interesting report here:

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/markets-work/OFT1436.pdf

Although a school (it seems) can not be forced to change their policy I am in agreement with the OP that it should be 'challenged'. Not in the legal sense but as regards the effect that this has on the cost to the parents.

I do not think it is just the cost involved I think it is about the 'rights' of parents to shop around and find the cheapest option.

The OP might be able to use information from the report, especially quoting the very last paragraph.

If the OP can get a lot of parents on board and write to the Head Teacher and the School Governors I think she would have an excellent case for their changing the policy. In times of austerity the school should be looking to decrease the financial burden on the parents.

Frith

Wow, that's incredibly cheap uniform!

My son's school has a blazer (with school badge embroidered on so you can't get it from anywhere else), school tie with badge, jumper with badge. Those on their own are £25 + £18 + £7.

P.E kit also has the damned badge on the shorts and shirt so they are £8 and £18 !!

Oh, and they have a different summer uniform (with badge, of course) so I had to buy him 2 more shirts, can't remember price but over a tenner each.

BUT... I know what you mean about items having to be bought from one shop. School sent me the order form and EVERYTHING has to come from their M and S account. I ignored the letter, got most of the badged stuff second hand and got the grey trousers and white shirts from Sainsburys.

Was shocked to get 2 phone calls from school towards the end of the summer holidays "reminding" me to put in his school uniform order! I explained (twice) I would not be buying his uniform through school as it was too expensive. Cue a long silence then they phoned back to say it would be OK.

FBaby

Just read this thread and I can't believe any one would consider legal action because they are told they have to buy a uniform that they consider too expensive when compared with very cheap alternative when the price is actually very low in comparaison to other schools.

Trevor summed it perfectly:

You can always put your kid/s to school with cheaper uniform surely your choice!

The uniform is part of school life and if it is such a massive issue for you that you would consider legal action, then change your daughter's school. End of.