With September fast approaching, many families will soon be faced with the cost of new school uniforms.

Research from Child Poverty Action Group shows that school unform is one of the biggest educational expenses for parents with children in school. In fact, it’s estimated that the minimum annual cost of uniform, kit, shoes and bags for a child in primary school is £352.86, with this rising to £481.77 for parents with a child in secondary school. For low-income families already struggling with increased living costs, this expense may be unaffordable.

How can we support families with the cost of uniform?

Granting clothing vouchers to families will ease the financial burden of the new school year. FFBS have a range of voucher options that can be used to purchase school uniform.

Supermarket vouchers

We have a range of supermarket options to choose from, including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, which all stock low-cost uniform options for parents. These vouchers are issued securely via email, directly to the beneficiary, within one working day. These e-Gift vouchers have no restrictions on clothing so can be used to purchase uniforms.

Blackhawk Clothing Vouchers

These clothing vouchers can be redeemed at a variety of clothing stores which stock school uniform, including Primark and Marks & Spencer’s, plus stores such as Clark’s and Schuh for beneficiaries who would like to use the voucher to purchase school shoes. These vouchers are issued securely via email, directly to the beneficiary, within one working day.

Park Clothing Cards

Park clothing cards are issued via post, so are therefore a good option for beneficiaries who are digitally excluded. The cards can be redeemed at a variety of school uniform retailers, including Clarks and Matalan.

If you think we can help your organisation distribute vouchers for school uniform to beneficiaries, get in touch at businessdevelopment@familyfundservices.co.uk