The cost of back to school time

‘Sending son to school is costing us a fortune’

What the families who contacted Barnardos had to say:

*“Schools should be trying to support parents who cannot afford the cost of uniforms by sourcing cheap alternatives instead of having to go to specific shops. The principal at our school puts pressure on children who are not in correct uniform, this is not right when it’s the parents who cannot afford the correct items. I bought my child black tights which cost €5 for three pairs instead of wine ones which are €5 for one pair and she was told to tell me they are only €5. We are unemployed and €5 is a lot of money when you are feeding a family. Trying to explain this to a seven-year-old is very difficult when she is afraid of getting into trouble... Teachers should be told this.”