New research looked into ways of alleviating poverty for families buying school uniforms, whilst also supporting a greener economy.
Senior lecturer, Dr Rachel Shanks, from the School of Education at the University of Aberdeen, investigated the affordability and potential for recycling/up-cycling uniforms, along with the possibility that uniform banks, could offer relief from the emotional and financial difficulties, that families living with school age children experience, whilst living in poverty.
The findings from Dr Shanks' research show that whilst progress has been made by the introduction of a national minimum clothing grant, to help with uniform costs for families in Scotland. There is still room to improve throughout many local authority areas in Scotland.
The Scottish Government has now committed to the introduction of statutory guidance on school uniforms as a result of Dr Shanks' recommendations and research findings:
Read in full: COP26_School_Uniforms.pdf
Meeting of the Parliament: 29/09/2021 | Scottish Parliament WebsiteMeeting of the Parliament: 29/09/2021 | Scottish Parliament Website