A mum has shared how the cost of school uniforms has left her bank account “bone dry” and, as a result, Christmas has been called off in their household this year.
As families across the UK gear up to send their little ones back to school this week, there are many parents facing a tough financial struggle.
It’s estimated that uniform costs are £442 for a child in secondary school and £343 for those in primary school – a sharp increase from £96.24 per pupil just two years ago, according to the Schoolwear Association.
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For Karyssa Bates, a mum-of-four, this has left her “sick with worry” as she tries to foot the cost.
The 34-year-old, from Kingston upon Hull, puts a sum away each month, starting at Christmas, in preparation for September the following year.
This year, though, it has cost her over £900, and so it looks like festivities will be off the cards in their household.
“It’s had such a huge emotional impact; I feel like I’m failing as a mum,” Karyssa told What’s The Jam.
“I wasn’t able to get them everything they asked for at Christmas last year, and I won’t be able to do that again – if anything at all.
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“Activities after school or going to places during the summer holidays are non-existent.
“It’s upsetting for all of us, as we know it’s because of the cost of the uniforms.”
The stay-at-home mum has two kids in secondary school, aged 15 and 13, along with twins in primary school, aged seven [not named for privacy reasons].
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To help make ends meet, she aims to put away £75 per month into a uniform pot.
She uses the remainder of her £1,700 monthly Universal Credit on food, bills and other necessities, totalling £1,525.
If they have a growth spurt or their uniform is damaged, then she’s left having to make more sacrifices.
She said: “I do cheaper food shops where I can and I don’t add any extras such as sweets or other treats.
“I take them on fewer days out – or not at all.
“I buy nothing for myself as it’s simply not possible.
“They only get general clothing if bought as presents for birthdays and Christmas from family.
“I can’t afford to get them anything new.
“There just isn’t any spare money left over for anything else.”
Karyssa hopes to share her financial battle as she knows she’s not the only parent facing the strain.
She added, “There isn’t any help from the schools.
“I think uniforms should be abolished because of the whole expense.
“It should just be a jumper and trousers or skirts and a polo shirt.
“Standard PE kits you can buy from supermarkets to make things cheaper, rather than telling parents they need to purchase clothing with the logo on.
“If there were a swap shop near me, I’d be so grateful.
“But there isn’t.
“And I’m left being limited on what I can do as I have this cost in the back of my mind constantly.
“The children are the ones really suffering, and I hate disappointing them because of some outfit.”
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