The government is introducing a major uniform change across all schools from September under the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act. The legislation aims to reduce costs for parents and carers by legally obliging schools to limit branded uniform items to a maximum of three pieces per pupil. This includes jumpers, blazers, trousers and skirts, though secondary school ties are exempt from the restriction.
Details of the New Legislation
The amendment forms part of the newly introduced Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act, launched by the Department for Education. The department stated earlier this year that the price of school uniform 'should never be a barrier to the schools for which parents apply'. The Act also pledges to broaden cost of living support, including free school meals and complimentary breakfast clubs. The Department for Education anticipates that by September, more than 2,000 free breakfast clubs will be operational and an additional half a million pupils will qualify for free school meals.
Official Reactions
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'This landmark legislation fixes the foundations in our schools, puts money back into parents' pockets, and provides critical new protections for our most vulnerable children. From lifting the two-child limit to transforming the life chances of children with SEND, this government is already making strides to cut the link between background and success.' Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, added: 'Millions of parents are struggling with added school costs like expensive school uniform. Rising costs are hitting everyone hard, but parents have school costs they have no option but to pay. The Act will make a difference to these parents by tackling the cost of living and putting limits on expensive uniform items.'
Mobile Phone Ban Also Enforced
As of last Monday (June 29), schools have additionally been obliged to revise their mobile phone policies. Under the new legislation, schools must ensure that pupils are prohibited from accessing their mobile phones and comparable smart devices, such as smartwatches, throughout the entire school day. Phillipson commented: 'We have been clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools but now we're going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts. Our Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will support schools that are struggling to effectively implement phone bans so all our children can learn in phone-free environments.'
