The free school uniform shops that families are flocking to this summer
16.08.2022 - 13:41
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Buying school uniform has always been a costly affair, even more so with the number of branded items pupils now need.
Yet with family finances already stretched amid the cost of living crisis, many are finding that kitting their kids out for school is more of a struggle than ever.
At some schools, mostly primaries, youngsters are sometimes allowed to wear plain polo shirts and there are few branded items to shell out for.
Read more: Things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this school summer holidays
However high school is a different story and often both the main uniform - with blazers, trousers or skirts - as well as PE kits, need the school logo, meaning families can end up spending £200 plus per child.
Thankfully there are some stores and stalls being set up where parents can pick up some pre-loved uniform for free and it's proving a massive help to mums and dads struggling to make ends meet.
One such place is Stanley Square in Sale, Trafford, where a number of racks have been set up in Market Walk featuring uniform from a number of local schools.
Parents whose children have outgrown uniform that is still in decent condition can drop it off there and those in need of the items can pick them up for free.
Tony Martin, general manager at the shopping centre, explained how the idea came about.
He said: “Following a passing chat with a single parent who told me of her struggles affording school uniforms, especially blazers for her two young children, I decided to run with the initiative of a new and pre-loved school uniform pop up.
"We reached out asking people to donate school uniform items that they no longer needed, I was blown away by the initial response and this week we started putting out the items