It might be the school holidays but we'll soon be in full 'back to school' season and that means one thing - uniforms.
From shoes and skirts to PE kits and cardigans, the list of essentials feels endless to most parents.
That's why many families object to paying for items with their child's school logo, when supermarkets sell the basics for so much cheaper.
In fact more than 3,000 parents have now signed a petition calling on the government to make schools scrap logos altogether.
We featured mum Megan Briggs' petition back in June , when she told the M.E.N: "We are campaigning for the end of logos on uniforms which greatly increase the price. This is an issue for many parents, and we are hoping to end the problem."
But now The Schoolwear Association has spoken out in support of logos and says there are four main reasons for having them - safety, social cohesion, identity and a sense of pride.
David Burgess, chair of the association, which is the representative body for the Specialist Schoolwear Industry, said: ”The inclusion of a logo into a uniform is an important one, it creates a sense of ownership for pupils and their schools, whilst instilling a sense of pride, belonging and equality.
"A cheaper uniform doesn’t necessarily mean a better uniform, often cheaper means a lower quality and less durability, so parents may find themselves spending more in the long term if they were opt for a high street equivalent."
He added: "Furthermore, it’s important to consider the safety benefits that are provided through the inclusion of a school logo on a uniform.
"When pupils are away from school premises, either on a school trip or the commute to school, other pupils know where the children are from and it means they can easily be identified as belonging to a school, which can sometimes be a real benefit in some situations.
"But, ultimately this decision lies with the headteacher, and on all of these matters, schools must follow guidelines set by the Department of Education. But, we as an association, believe that schools largely make sensible decisions in the interests of their students.”
We first reported on the issue last year , when Manchester parents told us they were being left out of pocket by 'school logo-only' policies, even though there are no legal requirements on the issue.
In uniform guidance to school governing bodies and leaders, the government says they should 'give highest priority to the consideration of cost and value for money for parents'.
It states: "Schools should keep compulsory branded items to a minimum and avoid specifying expensive items of uniform eg expensive outdoor coats."
At the beginning of the last school year, the Local Government Association raised concerns over schools making parents buy a wide range of branded items - and among other recommendations, urged them to make logos available as sew-on patches.
Do you think a logo only policy is unfair? Does your child's school insist on having branded products or can you get your own from the supermarkets and high street stores?
Let us know in the comments or share your views on our Manchester Family Facebook page here .
