The MLA for Strangford, who had originally planned to bring forward a Private Member’s Bill to tackle the escalating costs of school uniforms, said that whilst it is welcome to see legislation, after years of inaction, the bill is far from ambitious.
Mr Mathison said: “The cost of school uniforms remains a huge concern for parents and unfortunately, the Minister’s bill is only creating more concerns that it won’t deliver what parents have been calling for when it comes to affordability.
“The Minister has said his bill will create statutory guidelines that schools must adhere to, but without sight of the guidelines, it is impossible to give parents comfort that there will be any significant impact on cost. This will bring little comfort.
“So, it’s with parents’ needs in mind that Alliance has submitted an ‘accountability clause’, a mechanism that will compel the Minister to come before the Assembly every three years and report on the impact of this legislation. This backs what parents have been calling for, moving closer to achieving a cost cap measure that will make a real financial difference for all.
“I’ve also pressed the Minister to ensure uniform policies for foundation-aged children are suitable for engaging in play-based activities, as often they move into a primary setting with uniforms that are at times formal, impractical and disconnected from the play-based learning model children should be engaged in. I hope this amendment will support schools to deliver uniform policies that encourage all children to learn through play and get outdoors whenever possible.
“No family should have to go into debt to pay for mandatory school uniform items, and while the introduction of this bill will create hope for parents feeling the pressure year on year, it is concerning that not enough will be delivered.”
Mr Mathison said: “The cost of school uniforms remains a huge concern for parents and unfortunately, the Minister’s bill is only creating more concerns that it won’t deliver what parents have been calling for when it comes to affordability.
“The Minister has said his bill will create statutory guidelines that schools must adhere to, but without sight of the guidelines, it is impossible to give parents comfort that there will be any significant impact on cost. This will bring little comfort.
“So, it’s with parents’ needs in mind that Alliance has submitted an ‘accountability clause’, a mechanism that will compel the Minister to come before the Assembly every three years and report on the impact of this legislation. This backs what parents have been calling for, moving closer to achieving a cost cap measure that will make a real financial difference for all.
“I’ve also pressed the Minister to ensure uniform policies for foundation-aged children are suitable for engaging in play-based activities, as often they move into a primary setting with uniforms that are at times formal, impractical and disconnected from the play-based learning model children should be engaged in. I hope this amendment will support schools to deliver uniform policies that encourage all children to learn through play and get outdoors whenever possible.
“No family should have to go into debt to pay for mandatory school uniform items, and while the introduction of this bill will create hope for parents feeling the pressure year on year, it is concerning that not enough will be delivered.”