As the summer holidays get underway, many parents will already be thinking ahead to the new school year and the costs that come with it.
That’s why I’m pleased that, from September, new measures will come into effect that will help cut costs for families across Exeter.
I’m delighted that St Gabriel’s Church of England Primary School will begin offering free breakfasts from September, joining Whipton Barton Junior, Infants and Nursery Schools and St Sidwell’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery, which were among the early adopters of the programme.
These Best Start breakfast clubs can be worth up to £450 a year, for families who use them every day, as well as providing valuable childcare support that can make busy mornings much easier to manage.
Just as importantly, children arrive at school having eaten a nutritious breakfast, settled and ready to learn from the start of the school day. That’s good for pupils, good for parents, and good for educational outcomes.
Cheaper school uniforms
There is also significant help coming through changes to school uniform rules.
From September, new legal limits will apply to the number of branded uniform items that schools can require. This means parents will be able to buy more everyday essentials, such as shirts, trousers and other basic items, from supermarkets and high street retailers, rather than being restricted to specialist suppliers.
The Government is also asking schools to go further in reducing costs, particularly for more expensive items such as blazers and jumpers, helping ensure that uniforms remain affordable for all families.
Taken together with the expansion of free school meals to households receiving Universal Credit, these changes represent a significant package of support for families.
I believe every child should have the opportunity to thrive at school, regardless of their family’s circumstances. That means ensuring children arrive ready to learn, but it also means removing unnecessary financial barriers that can place extra pressure on parents.
As we look ahead to the new academic year, I want every child in Exeter to have the best possible start. By helping families with the costs of breakfast, uniforms and school meals, we can give more children the opportunity to focus on what really matters: learning, developing new skills, and reaching their full potential.
