Some parents missing meals to cover back-to-school costs, Barnardos survey finds

Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly (right) with Sam Reid (left) and Poppy Deans (centre) at the launch of Barnardos’ Back to School Survey 2022. The charity is calling on the Government to introduce measures in the upcoming budget to alleviate the pressure families are under. Photo: Patrick Bolger

Many parents say they will be forced to go without or cut back on essentials this year to pay for their child’s back-to-school costs.

As the cost of living crisis deepens, more than two-thirds (69%) of primary and three-quarters (74%) of secondary school parents say they are worried about meeting school costs this year.