It’s just days into the school holidays but parents in Salford will be going through the familiar rigamarole of buying up school uniform.
It has to be done, as if supermarkets haven’t got the size you need, some can take weeks to order and deliver.
The big chains have got a lot of press from dropping prices for unbranded gear: Aldi reckons you can buy two round-neck jumpers, two polo shirts and trousers or skirt for under £4.
Discounter Lidl says its value-for-money deals start at £3.75 for a full non-branded uniform.
And sites like Money Saving Expert have useful online guides to where uniform is cheapest right now.
But local charity Wood Street Mission says thousands of families in Salford and Manchester are still struggling to afford school uniform.
It says over 1,000 families and 2,000 children have been referred for help in June and July 2016.
Donations of non-branded kit can be collected and donated to the charity’s Deansgate base in Manchester, Monday to Friday, more info on 0161 834 3140.
The last date for dropping off donations to get to families in time for the new school year is Friday 19 August.
Launching its Smart Start scheme, Wood Street Chief Executive Rosemary Sweeney said: “Not having the right uniform can be intensely embarrassing for children; they can be bullied by peers or get into trouble for breaking school rules.
“This leads to them feeling different and left out which means they can lose interest in doing well at school.
“Headlines over cut-price offers are indicative of a high street back-to-school price war and shouldn’t mask the fact that many families just cannot afford the cost of uniform and other school necessities.
“Children in poorer households do not do as well at school as better off peers and are less likely to grow up to fulfil their potential and contribute their skills and talents to the growing economy.
“One reason is low income families struggle to afford the costs of school which means their children can stand out and be bullied at school or fall foul of school regulations.”
SmartStart Manchester & Salford gives out non-branded uniform to pre-school, primary and secondary school children.
Wood Street’s £1m, four-year project launched in 2015.
A third of the million-pound fund has been earmarked specifically for Salford children.
Families referred for help to SmartStart get credit which allows them choose from a range of over 30 school wear items for their child or children.
These are then posted out to their homes or can be collected during August at Wood Street Mission.
Wood Street has seen a 33% uptick in the number of families coming forward over the last 12 months.
School uniforms are one of parents’ biggest yearly spends with average sports and classroom kit costing up to £220 per child.
Find out how you can get help here , or call Wood Street Mission on 0161 834 3140 for more information.
