Mason addresses issues of school uniforms in affordability and inclusivity
Many parents know the stresses and strains that arise when a child has to get a new school uniform when they go to a new school or simply just grow out of their existing uniform. And many family are on benefits and/or fall below the poverty line.
Sinn Féin South Down MLA Cathy Mason is concerned about teh current state of affairs around the supply of school uniforms and seeks to see radical changes.
The School Uniforms Bill running through the Assembly is a chance to modernise and make school uniform policy more inclusive and affordable she said.
Speaking after a sitting of the Assembly Education Committee last week, Cathy Mason MLA said: “The School Uniforms Bill is a unique opportunity to modernise and refresh uniform policy in South Down and indeed across the North.
“Sinn Féin has put forward proposals to ensure the needs of children and young people with Special Educational Needs are met, including ensuring school uniforms that are comfortable and accessible.
“We are proposing a much more inclusive policy which includes girls being allowed to wear trousers if they choose.
“We’ve heard shocking evidence of up-skirting and other issues and this move would make a positive difference to young girls’ safety and comfort.
“We’ve also heard evidence of outdated and inaccessible uniform policies that prevent girls from properly managing their periods, leading to anxiety, shame, discomfort, and ultimately absence from school.
“Affordability is at the core of our proposals.
“No child should be priced out of a school because of the cost of a uniform and no family should have to go into debt to send their child to school.
“This is a chance to put equality, inclusion, and fairness at the heart of school uniform policy and we’re committed to working with other progressive parties to make it a reality.”
Cathyxa0Masonxa0has outlined her party’s plans to make school uniforms more affordable.
Speaking after a meeting of the Education Committee, the South Down MLA said: “My party colleague Pat Sheehan MLA has brought forward a number of proposals aimed at cutting the cost of school uniforms.
“If we are serious about affordability, we must end the expensive single-supplier contracts used by some schools.
“Parents must have the flexibility to buy affordable alternatives on the High Street. We also need to limit the number of branded uniform and PE items schools require and, crucially, introduce strong,xa0enforceable guidance to stop families being ripped off.
“The Minister’s proposed legislation is a welcome first step, but it doesn’t go far enough.
“That’s why we’re working with other parties to strengthen it, bringing forward new proposals and amendments to ensure this legislation delivers real and meaningful change for families.”
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