Views sought on cost of school uniforms

The survey is asking parents and carers for their views on the cost of government school uniforms

A survey asking parents and carers for their views on the cost of branded and compulsory school uniform items has been launched.

The government said it was working alongside the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) to make uniforms more affordable.

The survey will ask parents and carers how much they pay, whether they are satisfied with the quality and cost of uniforms and which items they think should be branded.

Deputy Inna Gardiner, the minister for children and education, said uniforms provided "many benefits for schools and for pupils".

The government says its working alongside the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) to make uniforms more affordable

She said: "They help establish a sense of school community and encourage pride in the members of that community. Uniforms also have safeguarding benefits; they allow staff to quickly identify members of the school.

“However, it is clear – from speaking with parents and carers – that even if they value having some kind of uniform, the sheer number of compulsory or branded items that they have to buy drives up costs and causes anxiety."

The survey will close on Friday 20 October.

Ms Gardiner said results would help shape the school uniform policy and would become effective from September 2024 in a phased approach.

“I hope to hear from a range of parents and carers, and I look forward to ensuring these views shape the final guidance," she added.