Latest news with #Children'sWellbeingandSchoolsBill
ITV News
12 hours ago
- General
- ITV News
Stockport-based community group providing free school uniform to struggling families
ITV Granada Reports journalist Emma Sweeney went to meet those at The Cherry Tree Project, a group that is running a scheme to support families who are unable to afford school uniform. A community group is helping families who are struggling to afford school uniforms by recycling old ones as figures reveal more than one in three parents in the North West struggle to buy them for their children. The Cherry Tree Project, based in Stockport, found that some parents are choosing to go without food instead of sending their children to school without a full uniform. To combat the issue the charity began running the scheme 'Reloved Uniforms', designed to support those families in need. It comes as a survey, released by The Children's Society, revealed almost half of parents think uniform prices have not become more affordable over the past year, despite efforts to make more second-hand items available. Some parents even reported children being punished for breaching school's uniform policies. The Cherry Tree Project professionally clean and package the pre-loved uniforms, which are then gifted to those in need. Rachel Bresnahan, one of the directors of The Cherry Tree Project, said: 'With a standard uniform you're normally looking at about £50 of branded items, up to another £50 worth of PE kit, and then you have your non-branded items which could be the same again, and that's before you start to look at your school bag, your school coat, your shoes. 'I'd say it's going to be a minimum of £200 per child, if not more. It could be double that depending on what school your child goes to." "Parents donate their children's uniform to all Stockport libraries, which have a uniform bin," she added. "We then collect it, launder it, repackage it, make sure it smells nice and that the quality is the same as you'd get from a shop and then that goes back out through those libraries to families who need it. "The idea is that it goes full cycle, fully reloved. "When a child opens it it feels like they've been to a shop so they're still getting the new uniform experience." Sasha Moore, who has to support her three nieces said: 'Financially it's really helped. It's just not affordable, £200 just for three blazers, and on top of that you've got shoes, polo shirts, shirts, skirts, PE kits. Some of them are mandatory and you have to have the school logo on. 'It has made a world of difference.' Talking about her nieces receiving the uniform, Sasha said: 'They were so excited. The one who's going into Year 7 this year was squealing. It's packaged so nicely, it's like a new uniform. 'It takes a village to raise a child, and 'Reloved' is part of that village for us.' The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill is currently making its way through parliament and, if passed, will ban schools from requiring parents to buy more than three branded items as part of the school uniform. Rachel said: 'We really appreciated when the bill came in that said that schools could only have three branded items. But the bill doesn't take into account the PE kit, which is probably another three branded items. 'Some local schools say that the PE kit is optional, however it's not non-optional because the child needs it to not get picked on at school." The Bill is hoping to come into effect from September 2026.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Parents should know this back to school tip to make uniforms £1.27 per item
An expert has shared a savvy way to save even more on school uniform, taking the price down to match Aldi's sold-out £5 uniform bundle With the summer holidays coming to an end in Scotland, schools across the country are set to go back in the next week or two. With that in mind, families are facing the expensive and time-consuming task of purchasing uniforms and other school necessities. Department for Education (DfE) statistics reveal that the average cost to equip a child for secondary school down south is £442, while primary school comes in at £343. B The UK Government is taking steps to ease the financial burden of rising uniform costs with its proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The bill aims to restrict the number of branded items schools can require, which tend to be pricier, thus giving parents the flexibility to opt for more affordable alternatives. Supermarket clothing lines such as Tu at Sainsbury's, George at Asda, and F&F at Tesco have been expanding their uniform offerings, joining Matalan and other budget retailers to provide competitive options against the steeper prices of high street brands like M&S and Next. However, a consumer expert has highlighted a tip for saving even further on budget uniforms, potentially matching Aldi's elusive £5 uniform bundle, reports the Mirror. TopCashback's spokesperson Abigail Yearley has pointed out that while there's often a sigh of relief when children head back to school in September, the associated expenses can quickly become "overwhelming", She noted: "There's often a long list of things to replace such as outgrown uniforms, broken stationery and worn-out shoes. Fortunately, back-to-school doesn't have to cost a fortune. "There are lots of savvy methods that can be used to save in the run up to the new school year, from using voucher codes and taking advantage of promotions, to shopping using a cashback website or second-hand to cut costs." TopCashback consistently offers a percentage back on every eligible spend throughout the year, along with a free £15 new member sign-up bonus for newcomers. This bonus can be redeemed at most school uniform shops including Tu at Sainsbury's, George at Asda, F&F at Tesco, Matalan, and Marks & Spencer, allowing savings to accumulate swiftly. For instance, TopCashback members making purchases at Tu could snag a seven-piece uniform set comprising two pairs of trousers (or two skirts), three long-sleeve school shirts, and two V-neck jumpers for as little as £8.89 after cashback, depending on size. That's equivalent to £1.27 per item, pretty much the same as Aldi's highly sought-after four-piece uniform deal. Fashion deal of the week New Balance has just launched a massive sale ahead of the summer, with up to half-price off. Hate that break in period with stiff footwear? Then look no further than the Unisex RC42 Shoes, said to be "comfy straight out of the box", that have been reduced from £90 to just £45, saving shoppers 50 percent off the original asking price. Featuring the classic minimalist silhouette that can be worn with everything from denim jeans to leggings, these trainers have been particularly designed for those with an active lifestyle. Crafted from a "lightweight" suede/mesh construction, they boast a low profile that is suitable for those who spend long periods of time on their feet, while the a padded tongue and cushioned rubber sole ensure all day comfort. Finished with the classic signature 'N' branding on the side, the half-price discount covers two colours - granite with white and linen with sea salt. As of writing, sizes range from a four through to nine, including a few half-sizes. Shoppers can't stop praising the New Balance RC42 Shoes, as they have earned a 4.2 rating and glowing reviews for their "comfortable" design that means they "don't even have to break them in." One five-star review read: "Very cute and comfortable right out of the box. On trend and has a somewhat cushioned midsole—perfect for wearing all day." Shoppers can bag the New Balance Unisex RC42 Trainers for half-price in the sale here. Aldi's uniform package becomes an internet sensation annually, featuring four essential items priced at just £5. Despite being hailed as the most economical choice, it's only available in-store during the early summer period, with this year's stock launching in late June and vanishing within hours as customers rushed to snap up the bargain. TopCashback is not only offering savings on school uniforms but also has a new member sign-up deal that extends to other brands such as Kickers for school shoes (which can be combined with their up to 40 per cent off school shoes sale) and The Works for stationery essentials - though the cashback percentage plus the £15 bonus will differ from shop to shop. To claim, shoppers must register through TopCashback's new member link and then proceed to shop as usual to receive the money back. Abigail Yearley from the brand offers additional savvy tips for economising during the back-to-school period: Make a list of 'must buys' Not all purchases need to be immediate: Spreading out spending can soften its financial blow. It's often wise to wait, as many products go on sale after the start of the school term. Abigail advises: "It's important to get first dibs on the bigger items such as schoolwear, but things like stationary bundles or tech can wait until the school year has begun or the days just before." For a comprehensive school checklist and further saving strategies for the upcoming academic year, TopCashback's Money Guide is an excellent resource. Shop around for the best deal Look out for discount codes or multibuy deals at different retailers to enhance your savings. Don't dismiss second-hand options Don't overlook second-hand and pre-loved uniforms: Kids frequently outgrow clothes before they're worn out. Many schools have shops with donated items, and there are online platforms ranging from Uniformerly to eBay and Vinted, as well as Facebook Marketplace. Expect the unexpected Brace yourself for the unforeseen. Growth spurts are a given, and many retailers factor in these unpredictable changes. Clarks provides a fit guarantee on school shoes, making it easy to swap them up to three months after purchase if they become too snug. Asda, Tesco and Matalan also offer a 100-day guarantee, so if the quality or fit isn't up to scratch, you can return them and receive a full refund. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Shopping expert's back-to-school tip makes uniform as cheap as £1.27 an item
The saving takes the price of school essentials down to the same price as Aldi's now-sold out uniform bundle and will help with parents having to pay up to £442 in the run up to September With the summer holidays in full flow, families up and down the country are beginning the costly and time-consuming annual juggle of buying uniforms and other back-to-school essentials. According to Department for Education (DfE) figures, on average it costs an average of £442 to kit out a child for secondary school and £343 for primary school. To tackle this, the government is addressing rising uniform costs in its proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which will limit the number of branded - and therefore more expensive - items schools can put on the uniform list, allowing parents wiggle room to buy cheaper alternatives. In recent years supermarket clothing lines like Tu at Sainsbury, George at Asda and F&F at Tesco have joined Matalan and other budget retailers in expanding their uniform ranges to compete with the higher prices of high street brands like M&S and Next. But a consumer expert has flagged a way to save even more on budget uniform, taking the price down to match Aldi 's sold-out £5 uniform bundle. Abigail Yearley, director at TopCashback, explained that while parents can often feel relief when children return to school in September, costs can quickly stack up and become 'overwhelming.' She added: 'There's often a long list of things to replace such as outgrown uniforms, broken stationery and worn-out shoes. "Fortunately, back-to-school doesn't have to cost a fortune. There are lots of savvy methods that can be used to save in the run up to the new school year, from using voucher codes and taking advantage of promotions, to shopping using a cashback website or second-hand to cut costs.' TopCashback offers a percentage back on every qualifying spend year-round as well as a free £15 new member sign up for new customers. This can be used at most school uniform retailers including Tu at Sainsbury, George at Asda, F&F at Tesco, Matalan and M&S, meaning savings can quickly add up. As an example, TopCashback members shopping at Tu could get a seven-piece uniform bundle consisting of two pairs of trousers (or two skirts), three pairs of long sleeve school shirts and two V-neck jumpers for as little as £8.89 depending on size after cashback is paid. Per item that works out at the same price as Aldi's hugely popular four piece uniform bundle. Aldi's uniform bundle goes viral every year and consists of four uniform staples sold for £5. However, while it's widely considered to be the cheapest uniform option, it is only ever available in store in very early summer with this year's launching in late June and selling out within hours as shoppers scrambled for the bargain. As well as offering savings on uniform, TopCashback's new member signup is available on other brands like Kickers for school shoes (where it can be used in conjunction with their up to 40% off school shoes sale) or The Works for stationery essentials - although the percentage of cashback earned alongside the £15 bonus will vary by shop. Shoppers must sign up via TopCashback's new member link and then shop as normally to get the money back. The brand's Abigail Yearley has some other top tips on saving money this back to school season, including: Make a list of 'must-buys' - and remember not everything needs to be bought now: Staggering spend is a great way to reduce its impact. Where possible, try holding out, as many items are put on sale once the school year starts. Abigail explains: 'It's important to get first dibs on the bigger items such as schoolwear, but things like stationary bundles or tech can wait until the school year has begun or the days just before.' TopCashback's Money Guide has a complete school checklist and even more savings tips for the new school year. Make sure to shop around: Keep an eye out for discount codes or multibuy offers to maximise savings. Don't forget second-hand and pre-loved uniform: Often children grow out of clothes before they wear out. Many schools will have a shop of donated items to choose from and there's online outlets from Uniformerly to eBay and Vinted as well as Facebook Marketplace. Prepare for the unexpected: Growth spurts are inevitable with many retailers accounting for unpredicted changes. Clarks offer a fit guarantee on school shoes, making it simple to exchange up to three months after purchase if they are a tight squeeze. Asda, Tesco and Matalan also offer a 100 day guarantee, so if the quality or fit just isn't right, you can return them and get a full refund.
Metro
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Peter Andre reveals strict rule that made Princess and Junior 'kick off'e
Peter Andre has opened up about the no-phone rule that initially left his children, Princess and Junior, 'rolling their eyes'. The 52-year-old TV personality is a father to Junior, 20, Princess, 18, Amelia, 11 with former wife Katie Price and Theo, eight, and Arabella, who is 15 months old, with GP Emily Andre. He recently attended a parliamentary screening – hosted by Lord John Nash and Joe Powell MP – of Fabio D'Andrea's film Another Way, in which he plays the dad to a teenage boy called Josh who attempts to take his own life after being bullied. The movie aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smartphone use among teenagers and has inspired Andre to implement some of the lessons in his own household. Speaking to The Sun at the screening, the Mysterious Girl hitmaker explained that he had now banned phones at the dinner table for his two eldest children. 'It's really interesting about my oldest two having been quite popular on social media [Princess has 758k followers and Junior has 530k on Instagram]. 'And I remember that when social media first started, we had no clue. It just looked like a bit of fun. 'It was again that nice little imagery of this really fun thing, being on your phone and you could play games and you could do all this,' he said about the evolution of the phone. Instead, he said it 'lures you in' and has now become his kids' job, focusing around interactions, followers and brands. After telling his daughter there are 'no phones and no TVs' at dinner, he said: 'At first they rolled their eyes, they kicked off. That lasted all of two days. They never said anything since.' He advocated for the 'little things' parents can do to place boundaries around phone use in the home because 'everyone kicks off about it, but eventually they do it'. Elsewhere, during a discussion about the emotional movie which portrays stark scenes of teenage suicide, the I'm A Celebrity star admitted he felt 'very out of [his] depth' when it comes to protecting his children from their phones. Reflecting on the hypocrisy of his own phone usage and urging parliament to help stem the crisis as well, he shared: 'You can't have a phone or just tell your kids, it's not that easy. We need backup. We need the government's help. We need the schools' help.' The award-winning composer D'Andrea is pushing to ban social media before the age of 16 through an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. 'Social media apps have become breeding grounds for propaganda, false narratives, and online abuse,' the filmmaker said in a statement. D'Andrea is known for his work with high-profile figures to raise awareness about pressing social issues. In the past, he has collaborated with Spice Girls star Mel B on a movie about domestic abuse, Love Should Not Hurt, and mental health with actor Russell Tovey, Something Left To Love – to name a few. More Trending The issue around teenage mental health, violence against women, and the harmful repercussions of unchecked online activity were explored in Netflix's smash hit show Adolescence. The four-episode show, starring Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper, follows a 13-year-old boy accused of the murder of a female classmate as we uncover exactly what drove him to commit this violent crime, and the impact on him and his family. View More » Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed an initiative to make the show freely available to secondary school students in the UK in hopes of 'openly talking about changes in how they communicate, the content they're seeing, and exploring the conversations they're having with their peers'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Peter Andre's wife Emily reveals she suffered rare complication while giving birth MORE: Katie Price slams 'pathetic' ex Peter Andre after being banned from daughter's birthday
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Children's care crisis as youngster homelessness sparks 'moral failure' warning
The Department for Education has announced a £53million investment to create up to 200 places for vulnerable children in council-run high-quality children's homes Thousands of young people leaving care are ending up homeless, as MPs warn of a 'moral failure' in supporting vulnerable kids. In a devastating report, MPs on the Commons' education committee said a third of children who have been in care become homeless within two years of being looked after. They called for 'urgent action to fix this broken system' amid some 39% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 not being in education, training or employment - at a rate three times more likely than their peers. In a significant breakthrough, the Department for Education has announced a £53million investment to create up to 200 places for vulnerable children in council-run high-quality children's homes. Due to a huge shortage in placements, young people have been placed into accommodation that is not registered with Ofsted, and therefore operating illegally, in recent years. The education committee's report warned of distressing experiences within the care system, including kids being housed in barges, B&Bs and caravans. Children are also being placed far from their local area, which has 'a traumatic and lasting impact on their lives', they said. This is leading to disruption in young people's education, kids being separated from the people close to them and an 'increased risk' of children in care going missing. The Mirror has launched the Missed campaign calling for better support and care for missing people and their loved ones. The crisis has also put huge financial pressures on councils, which have been forking out an estimated £440million a year on unregistered placements, with private providers sometimes siphoning off 20% for private profit. Education committee chairwoman and Labour MP Helen Hayes said: 'It is unacceptable that thousands of young people leaving care are being left to face homelessness, unemployment or barriers to education – it is a moral failure. The system that should be supporting our most vulnerable children is far too often abandoning them at a critical moment in their lives.' Katherine Sacks-Jones, chief executive of Become, a charity for children in care, welcomed the report and said: 'Keeping children close to the people and places that matter to them is essential to good care, as is ending the care cliff and the drop-in support when young people turn 18, sometimes younger.' Children and Families minister Janet Daby said: 'The children's social care system has faced years of drift and neglect, leading to a vicious cycle of late intervention and children falling through the cracks.' The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill will give Ofsted stronger powers to impose fines on illegal children's homes and new powers for the Secretary of State to cap provider profits if excessive profiteering is not brought under control.
