Families turn to charities to help with school costs

FAMILIES are turning to charities for assistance in meeting annual costs of over €2,500 to send their children to school.

The estimated cost for the next academic year - which begins in just a few weeks for around 780,000 primary and second level pupils - includes after-school childcare and participation in sports and other extra-curricular activities. But most parents of primary pupils will pay more than last year’s average €1,023 cost for basics such as uniforms, books, footwear, transport and other education costs.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is one of a number of organisations which helps a rising number of families with the burden of these growing expenses.

“We are seeing more people each year who need help, and we spent €2.2 million on education costs last year, including assistance for third-level students,” said SVP vice president Professor John Monaghan.

He criticised the lack of increase in this year’s budget for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which is €80 per primary pupil and €150 for a second-level student. The scheme is available to low-income and social welfare supported families to help meet the cost of uniforms and footwear.

“That would barely get you one-third of the way through the year - €80 might just get a younger child two pairs of trousers and a jumper. It’s very difficult for families on low wage or depending on social welfare payments,” Prof Monaghan said.

He said the increasing numbers seeking society’s help include immigrants and asylum seekers who are not entitled to work in Ireland.

A recent study of almost 200 second-level schools found that nearly half of them ask the SVP for help with students who cannot afford books or uniforms.

Research by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals found that others have sought funding from religious charities, community associations, businesses and other local organisations.

The average cost of sending a child to school is expected to come out at around €2,600 when a survey for the National Parents Council (Primary) is completed later this month.

The council’s chief executive Fionnuala Kilfeather said there had been no reduction on the results of surveys in previous years, in which parents around the country filled out detailed questionnaires about the financial implications of sending children to school.

The most recent results include average costs of school books at €66, shoes at €44, €58.50 for uniforms and €38 for runners.

A Labour Party survey, which is also being updated, found the average cost of school clothing was over €230.

The country’s 4,000 schools will open their doors later this month, with most classes beginning close to Monday, August 29.