Families facing huge school costs, warns Barnardos

DEBT-RIDDEN families face further deprivation because of the rising cost of sending their children back to school next month, according to children’s charity Barnardos.

Over half of the 500-plus parents who took its online survey are spending more on school books than last year, while many complained they are on low incomes but still do not qualify for government support to help meet the cost of uniforms.

The average cost of clothing and equipping a child starting primary school was found to be €350. However, the back to school and clothing footwear allowance meets just over half that expense.