The Strangford MLA has said: “The DoE going out to public consultation on proposed changes to school uniform policy is welcome. Now that this consultation has concluded, I hope to see the department use responses from it to inform clear and effective legislative change.
“The focus must now be on drafting legislation that will ensure parents see a reduction in the cost of school uniforms. As a party, Alliance believes that a cost cap would be the most effective tool to do this, whilst also providing certainty for parents that they will see a noticeable difference in their school uniform bill.
“This is an issue which has gone on for too long. We are ready to engage with whatever proposals are brought forward by the department and look forward to implementing real and meaningful change in this area.
"It is, however, also time for schools and boards of governors to step up. There is evidence of lots of good practice in terms of bringing costs down, but persistent issues remain, particularly in relation to branded PE kits.
“I hope schools will already be starting to think about where there is scope for them to make changes to uniform policy to assist hard-pressed families across NI - they do not need to wait for new legislation to act now."