Children’s charity Barnardos has called on the Government to introduce a suite of measures to assist parents with back-to-school costs.
They include a voluntary contribution code of practice, extension of the free book scheme to all secondary school students, affordable uniform options, an increased back-to-school allowance for parents on low income and a digital education fund for parents to access tablets and laptops for their children.
The call comes as Barnardos published a summary of findings about back-to-school costs, based on responses from parents who volunteered to take part in a survey the organisation carried out.
Some of the parents were service users and some were otherwise known to Barnardos, including supporters of the organisation.
A total of 910 people gave responses representing 500 primary school students and 410 secondary students.
51% of those primary school parents said they are worried about meeting back-to-school costs this year, a figure that rose to 70% among second-level parents.
Respondents indicated the average cost for uniforms at primary level was €119 and €211 at second level.
78% of primary school parents and 80% of secondary school parents said their schools requested a voluntary contribution at the start of the school year.
Barnados CEO Suzanne Connolly said: “The Government has implemented positive reforms over the past two years around school costs, in particular in relation to schoolbooks, and they should be commended for that.
However, too many parents are still struggling every summer to cover back-to-school costs, experiencing considerable financial difficulties as a result.
“Now is the time for the Government to continue introducing more measures to alleviate financial stress on parents, and to compel schools to do more to keep back-to-school costs at an affordable level.”
Article Source – Call on Govt to assist parents with back-to-school costs – RTE
