Making Cents: Back to school hunt on for uniform bargains

Consumer advice with Grainne McGuinness

BACK-to-school costs are looming for parents. Most department stores have their uniform ranges on sale.

Children may be blocking their ears so as not to hear the back-to-school ads, but in buying uniforms by the end of July parents can spread the financial burden.

According to a survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions, primary school parents spend an average of €166 per child on uniforms, and secondary-school parents €258. Aldi were named as best value by 5% of parents, but that figure could rise after this week. On Thursday, as part of its ‘special buys’, the retailer is selling primary school uniform for less than €5.50.

Its ‘back to school’ range offers either a pleated skirt or trousers for €1.99, and a sweater for €1.49. Add in a two-pack of plain polo-shirts for €1.99 and you have your child dressed for less than the price of a branded pencil case.

The supermarket is also selling pinafores (€7.99), short-sleeved shirts (€3.49 for packs-of-two) and knitted cardigans (€7.99 for-packs-of-two), and Aldi promise that the fabrics are machine washable and will hold their shape. It’s an attractive offer for cash-strapped parents, although limited colour choice means they may not cater for all schools.

If you prefer the traditional suppliers, both Dunnes Stores and Marks and Spencers have uniforms on sale now.

Dunnes Stores offer skirts from €4.50, up to €14.50, depending on style and size, and trousers from €5 to €14. It has a two-pack of polo-shirts from €3 and shirts and blouses from €4.50- €14 per pack-of-two — with the range including easy-iron and non-iron options.

Marks and Spencers uniforms start at €6.75 for two polo-shirts, up to €22 for sets of blouses. Its skirts and trousers cost from €12 -€19, with a number of options in both fit and fabric.Like Dunnes, it offers different ironing and cleaning options in shirts and jumpers. At the upper-end of the scale, it has a pure merino-wool, easy-care jumper for €17.50-€26, depending on size. Debenhams stock uniforms at a price equal to or greater than M&S. Packs of polo-shirts start at €7.50 and its shirts and blouses cost between €9 and €19.50. Skirts and trousers start at €12 and go up to €33 for a two pack of trousers.

Tesco, rated best value by 14% of parents, launches its full F&F ‘back to school’ range next Monday online and in selected stores. Their range also promises durability — with reinforced knees, super-strength seams, sealed hems, and stain-resistant fabrics.

They have two-packs of polo-shirts from €3.25 and shirts from €3.75 and trousers and skirts from €3.75 - €7.50.

So, the range of prices out there offers options if you’re on a budget. But remember: with 183 days in the primary year and 167 days in the secondary year, price isn’t the only consideration. Summer savings are a false economy if the uniform won’t stand up to months of wear-and-tear.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

We are into peak holiday season for families and most people who are aiming to go on holidays this summer have already booked. One task that is often left to days before take-off is travel insurance, so this week we had a look around at the best insurance deals on offer.

We looked at single-trip insurance for a family of two adults and three children going on a two week holiday in Europe - and looked at options both with and without private health insurance. Most insurers offer three levels of cover and the main difference between them is the amount of cover in different situations. For example, Chill’s cover for baggage and personal effects starts at €500 under their budget cover option, goes to €2,000 on their mid-priced offering and €2,500 for the highest-price insurance. Other areas affected by the level of cover you choose include how much you are entitled to in the event of holiday cancellation, medical expenses or a missed connection. You need to balance the up-front cost of the insurance against the peace of mind of knowing you have adequate cover if the worst happens.

With any travel insurance deal it is important to check the terms and conditions and know what you are covered for - it can vary widely from policy to policy. Things to watch for include the terms covering theft - does it cover items left in a hotel room or do they have to be on your person? What is the upper limit on personal items?

If a few members of the family are bringing high-end smartphones, tablets and/or laptops, their combined value could be well above the upper limit covered. And have the insurer’s contact numbers with you. If you need medical attention or have a passport stolen you need to follow the insurance provider’s instructions to ensure you are covered.