As the Committee continues its scrutiny of the Bill, Nick Mathison MLA and Michelle Guy MLA said the Minister has yet to share the guidance outlining what schools are actually required to change.
“This Bill needs to deliver for parents/carers and young people,” said Strangford MLA Mr Mathison.
“The consultation responses and the evidence at committee have been clear on what the vast majority of families and interested parties want to see.
“The Committee has already shortened the time it has to scrutinise this Bill as the Minister said he wanted to ensure schools have new statutory guidance for next year. However, we are months into taking evidence and the Minister has still not shared the actual draft statutory guidance.
“This guidance is key, as it will outline what is actually required of schools when it comes to uniforms, whether it be the number of branded items or how many places parents should be able to get uniform items.”
“The Minister needs to put an end to this delay and allow the Committee to do its job,” added Lagan Valley MLA Ms Guy.
“Alliance are clear that there should not be a financial barrier to education. For too long a minority of schools have continued to mandate expensive uniforms, which are unaffordable for huge numbers of families.
“We are focused on ensuring this Bill delivers for families and young people and yet, the Department will not share what they will actually require of schools. Having been promised the guidance would come last week, the Department have now said they haven’t even sought legal advice and that they have no idea when guidance will be finalised.
“The Minister needs to get a grip on this situation as families need this legislation to deliver.”
“This Bill needs to deliver for parents/carers and young people,” said Strangford MLA Mr Mathison.
“The consultation responses and the evidence at committee have been clear on what the vast majority of families and interested parties want to see.
“The Committee has already shortened the time it has to scrutinise this Bill as the Minister said he wanted to ensure schools have new statutory guidance for next year. However, we are months into taking evidence and the Minister has still not shared the actual draft statutory guidance.
“This guidance is key, as it will outline what is actually required of schools when it comes to uniforms, whether it be the number of branded items or how many places parents should be able to get uniform items.”
“The Minister needs to put an end to this delay and allow the Committee to do its job,” added Lagan Valley MLA Ms Guy.
“Alliance are clear that there should not be a financial barrier to education. For too long a minority of schools have continued to mandate expensive uniforms, which are unaffordable for huge numbers of families.
“We are focused on ensuring this Bill delivers for families and young people and yet, the Department will not share what they will actually require of schools. Having been promised the guidance would come last week, the Department have now said they haven’t even sought legal advice and that they have no idea when guidance will be finalised.
“The Minister needs to get a grip on this situation as families need this legislation to deliver.”