Education Minister Paul Givan introduced a new bill in the assembly on Tuesday, aiming to make school uniforms more affordable for families. The School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill proposes to make it compulsory for schools to adhere to guidelines set by the Department of Education (DE), ensuring that uniforms "represent value for money for families." The proposed law is expected to be debated by Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in March.
The introduction of this bill follows a consultation that drew approximately 7,500 responses from the public. Over three-quarters of respondents supported the idea of legally mandating affordable school uniforms. This feedback highlights the public's desire for greater transparency and cost-effectiveness in school uniform policies.
"What the legislation will do is work in tandem with strengthened, statutory guidance to ensure that affordability is transparent and at the centre of school uniform policies," stated Education Minister Paul Givan.
Currently, the DE provides non-compulsory guidance suggesting that school uniforms should offer value for money. The new bill aims to transform these guidelines into enforceable laws. Minister Givan indicated that the legislation would allow for the potential introduction of a price cap on school uniforms, though he acknowledged that additional efforts are needed to implement such a cap.
This legislative effort underscores a significant push towards easing financial burdens on families, ensuring that school uniforms do not become an unnecessary economic strain. Schools will be required to follow these guidelines by law, marking a shift towards more structured and enforced policies.
