Schools in North Ayrshire are tackling poverty head on thanks to an initiative that ensures every pupil has access to a uniform.
Council chiefs say most primary and secondary schools in the area – or parent councils – now offer some form of uniform recycling service where items can be swapped, bought for a reduced price or obtained for free.
And they are committed to supporting the schemes which are critical in ensuring every child and young person has access to school uniforms that fit well, look smart and help them to feel part of their school community.
Annick Primary School in Irvine has offered a successful recycling service for around seven years – providing good quality, pre-loved uniform items to the community.
It aims to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the cost of the school day.
Auchenharvie Academy in Stevenston is another local school which has adapted a scheme of their own called NA Plus (New and Pre-loved Uniform Station).
Launched in November 2019, NA Plus not only helps families to save money, it is available for all pupils who need access to clothes at any time should they need it.
For example, if a pupil ripped their clothes at break, spilled something on themselves or got soaked from the rain, they can pop in to the station for clean, dry clothes.
The uniform station has even widened its offering to include toiletries following a generous £400 toiletries donation from a local businessman.
Parents and carers are invited to drop in to collect whatever items then need for their family, free of charge.
NA Plus has also helped local families during the pandemic, organising a collection of over 1,000 items from staff and volunteers for the local food bank and distributing £80 worth of stationery to young people when they needed it following a donation from their community champion at Asda.
Allison Hopton, the head of the family learning team at Auchenharvie, said: “We’re so proud to have NA Plus here at Auchenharvie. It’s great to see how much it has grown already and we’re constantly looking at ways to continue improving this fabulous community asset.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported the scheme so far and I’m looking forward to the future of our uniform recycling station.”
Councillor John Bell, cabinet member for education, added: "Although clothing grants are available, the cost of buying uniform is still a significant burden for families and the uniform swap is a much more effective use of resources.
"By giving children and young people access to school uniforms they can be proud of, we hope to improve their self esteem and help them to improve their learning outcomes as they can feel part of the school identity and be equal amongst their peers.”
Councillor Robert Foster, cabinet member for health and social care (and lead member for poverty) added: “Poverty-proofing the school day is an important way that we can tackle poverty in North Ayrshire head on.
“By giving children and young people equal access to school uniform, we can successfully break down participation and learning barriers while minimising opportunities for vulnerable children and young people to face income stigma and exclusion.
“As we start to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and the financial burden placed on so many local families, now is more important than ever to ensure equity for all as we help to relieve the stress and financial strain felt by parents and carers who are sending their children and young people to school.
“I am immensely proud of the great work happening in our schools none of which could be possible without the generous donations of used school uniforms from local families – thank you to all who have donated, we are so very grateful.”
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