AQW 2048/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/06/2022
Answered On Date: 08/07/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education (i) what consideration she has given to changing the threshold limits for the school uniform grant, so that parents who are struggling to afford uniforms, but who are just outside the eligibility threshold, can get support; and (ii) to detail any alternative support outside of this grant that is available for parents in this position.

Answer:

The Department has commenced a Review of Free School Meals and Uniform Grant eligibility criteria. The purpose of this review is to ensure that FSM and uniform grants are available to support the most vulnerable children in our society. The review is considering a number of options for uniform grants, including the options for the removal/adjustment to current thresholds for Universal Credit/Working Tax Credit, the current rates of uniform grant as a contribution to the cost of school uniforms as well as the potential to legislate on uniform policy.

My Department continues to work to develop costed options and a consultation exercise will take place later in the year. In the interim period, I have agreed an increase of 20% to the existing uniform grant allowances for the forthcoming academic year.

In addition I am aware of various initiatives run by schools and community organisations that offer previously worn uniforms and that can provide an alternative source for parents.

The Department does not offer any additional support outside of the grant but does provide guidance to schools on uniforms which stresses the need for schools to be mindful of the costs:

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/circular-201104-guidance-schools-school-uniform-policy-revised-5-june-2018