Annual back-to-school costs can be pricey for parents, but families could save £1,200 this year on school uniforms and lunches.
The much-needed breathing room will be available from September, as the government launches a major support package to help put money back into parents’ pockets and make daily life more affordable.
Limits on branded school uniforms, free breakfast clubs and school meals, as well as more childcare places have all been put in place to reduce costs.
“For parents, the start of term can be one of the most expensive times of the year. From school uniforms and lunches to childcare and all the other costs that come with a new term, the bills can quickly add up,” Education Secretary Lucy Powell said.
“But this week families will finally start to feel the benefit of our support back in their pockets.
“Through our historic expansion of free school meals, more free breakfast clubs, childcare support and action on school uniform costs, we’re helping ease the back-to-school squeeze with thousands of savings that give parents the breathing space they need.”
Who will benefit and how much could parents save?
More than three million children from families receiving Universal Credit will now benefit from free school meals, regardless of household earnings – marking a major contribution to the government’s work to lift over half a million children out of poverty.
The scheme could save families £1,200 a year if they are benefiting from free school meals, breakfast clubs and cheaper uniforms.
Eligible working parents using government-funded childcare could also save up to £8,000 a year.
What are the school uniform changes?
Secondary and primary schools must ensure their uniforms are affordable, starting this academic year.
From September, schools must limit the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to three or fewer. If one item is a tie, it can be extended to four branded items.
The government also urges schools to make parents aware of where they can buy second-hand school uniform items before the new academic year and avoid frequently changing the school requirements.
How many breakfast clubs will open?
There will be 1,400 new free breakfast clubs this September helping children start the school day with a healthy meal, while saving parents money on before-school childcare and easing the pressure of the morning school run.
Free school meals will also now be available to all children in households receiving Universal Credit.
These schemes together will help ensure children arrive in the classroom well-fed, focused and ready to learn, and reduce the risk that hunger becomes a barrier to engagement, attainment and wellbeing.
“These measures are a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom. Children can’t learn effectively when hungry, so these efforts will help tackle the effects of child poverty, as well as improving education outcomes for disadvantaged young people,” Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, said.
How many more childcare places will there be?
There will be 9,000 more childcare places from September, with around 450 new or expanded school-based nurseries, saving parents up to £8,000 a year.
Access to high-quality childcare has been shown to support children’s early development and school readiness, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to thrive when they start school.