Peter McGuire workers Party Representative Derry City has described the school uniform Bill going through the Assembly as a missed opportunity to bring financial relief to working class families.
Peter McGuire said today that the bill despite all the hype when it went out for consultation alters very little for working class families and is merely tinkering with the status quo.
The Minister had a idle opportunity in creating this bill to move the financial burden from working class parents some who may have more than one child attending primary school and secondary school. Every year parents are faced with the nightmare of finding the money to top up the uniform grant. In some instances the grant barely covers the cost of a single item depending on the school of choice.
Peter continued the workers Party is in agreement that school uniform are necessary. But we are totally opposed to these expensive branded or corporate style uniforms. They add no value to our children's education and should play no part in the public education system.
These types of uniforms do not open doors for working class families. They keep doors closed. What is wrong with having standard colours that can be bought at the local supermarket. Schools could then add a school tie and badge if they wish to differentiate.
He continued under this bill, schools have the right to choose the type of uniforms. They still have the right to select providers and they only have to consult with parents. At a time of high poverty levels multiple deprivations and 25% of children in Northern Ireland living in poverty. It is incredible that this bill does nothing to mitigate the financial burden on working class families.