A Private Members’ Bill has come forward in Parliament called the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill 2019-21.  It places a duty on the Secretary of State for Education to issue statutory guidance for schools about the cost aspects of their school uniform policies. The intention is to ensure that state schools in England consider cost as a top priority in setting their school uniform policies.

I welcome this Bill; however, it must be implemented in a way that avoids any unintended consequences. The Government must consult as widely as possibly with school uniform suppliers, schools and parents. Research needs to be kept up to date, and school uniforms must be of the quality we want for our children in our local schools, but at a price that they can afford.

You can read my full speech during Second Reading of this Bill here.