“As the organisation representing all those involved in the
supply of schoolwear, we have been asked to be part of the process looking into
competition within the schoolwear market, and we are keen to participate.
“Our first priority is that every child should be able to go
to school in a smart, well-made, school-specific uniform.
“Parents and schools understand the benefits of good quality
uniform, which have been well documented and include improved learning,
behaviour and wellbeing.
“We encourage schools to seek value by providing advice on
garment selection and competitive tendering. We have lobbied the government to
remove VAT on school uniform and to enable a voucher scheme, similar to
childcare vouchers. Many of our members work with schools to help disadvantaged
families to have access to uniform, and we also advise schools on affordability
initiatives such as savings clubs.
“We are anxious that the focus on school uniform should not
be solely on price at the expense of poorer quality. Well-made, long-lasting
uniform is not only better value in the long term but also the most
environmentally sustainable option, and we should remember that children spend
an average of ten hours a day in their uniform so comfort and durability are
vital.
“Our members are often local,
independent family businesses who feel a genuine responsibility to provide
quality products at the most competitive prices to local schools and parents.
Responsible schoolwear specialists encourage schools to use a sensible mix of
school specific products with generic garments that are available from numerous
sources, so schools create a smart corporate look at an acceptable price.
“There are some benefits to sole
supplier arrangements, particularly because a single supplier is dedicated to
the school and required to stock uniform all year round in all sizes. When
there are two or more suppliers, that sense of duty diminishes, and the school
has less power to demand best value and service levels. If a school decides on
a sole supplier arrangement, we strongly recommend periodically putting
contracts out to tender where quotations can be compared on quality, service
levels, year-round stocking, ethical sourcing and price.”
David Burgess, Chair of The Schoolwear Association
The Schoolwear
Association was formed in 2006 to promote the benefits of school specific
uniform and to establish strong standards in the supply chain of garments to
parents and schools.
The
Association is proud to have in excess of 200 supplier and retail members who
pay a subscription to support the work of the Association. The industry has
adopted a code of practice and works with schools to further the provision of
good school uniform and all the benefits that confers on both the school, and
the students. Their members supply 75% of all schools in the UK.