ADVICE COLUMN


Q. My children are starting at a new school this September and since the recession our finances have been squeezed almost to breaking point already. Is there any help available for things like buying school uniforms?


A. 1.


Citizens Advice’s Adding Up campaign was set up to challenge schools to help families by following these simple recession-busting tips:


If you feel your child’s school isn’t doing enough to keep costs down, raise the issue with the school management team. Draw their attention to the Schools Admissions Code, and keep copies of all correspondence.


2.


If you’re not happy with the response, approach the school’s governing body. They should have a complaints procedure in place which will deal with issues such as complaints about uniform policies.


3. You can also raise the issue with the Schools Admissions Forum in your area. Your local authority should be able to give you details.


4.


If your school has an exclusive contract with a uniform supplier which prevents you from buying ‘off the peg’ items at a cheaper rate, ask them to review this.


5. 6.


If they refuse to change this policy then they may be subject to enforcement action by the Office of Fair Trading: www.oft.gov.uk


If you are concerned that excessive school costs are affecting your decision to send your child to a particular school then you can object to the Schools Adjudicator: www.schoolsadjudicator.gov.uk


7.


Making sure uniform is available from a range of outlets;


Providing sew-on or iron-on badges that can be put on plain clothing;


Encourage second-hand uniform sales or swap schemes; Providing budgets for the year in September so


parents can plan ahead; Being transparent about which


contributions are voluntary 4 8. 9.


If you are really struggling with buying school uniform or PE kit for your child(ren), apply to your local authority for a School Uniform Grant.


If you have difficulties with any of the above steps your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help. Many bureau are already trying to influence the work of local Schools Admissions Forums as part of our Adding Up campaign.


For more information visit: www.westdevoncab.org.uk


West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau


TAVISTOCK Kingdon House, North Street PL19 0AN


Open Monday Wednesday 10-2pm & Fri day 10.00am – 2.00pm


Drop in or ring 08444 111 444 during these hours. OKEHAMPTON The Ockment Centre North Street EX20 1AR


Open Tuesday Wednesday 10- 2pm & Thursday 10.00am-2.00pm.


Drop in or ring 08444 111 444 during these hours.


West Devon CAB also offers “Drop In” Outreach ad- vice sessions at Bere Alston Surgery and The Com- munity Centre, Princetown, every 3rd Wednesday of the month. For further information, or to make an appointment, ring 01837 52105.


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