Kids growing, costs rising: why spring can hit parents’ pockets and how you can get help

Spring is here, and while that means longer days and warmer weather, it can also bring a familiar problem for parents - your child’s school uniform suddenly doesn’t fit anymore.

It’s easy to think of school costs as a September issue, but for many families, this time of year can be just as tough.

Growth spurts can mean what fit in the autumn is getting tighter by the day. And replacing school uniform isn’t cheap.

A survey by the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT), a trade charity supporting parents working in the fashion and textile industry, found 80% of parents say back-to-school costs are stressful. And that pressure doesn’t stop after autumn.

We spoke to Anna Pangbourne, chief executive of FTCT, who explained how uniform isn’t just a once-a-year purchase for the start of the new school year.

“For many families we work with, January to Easter is when uniforms bought in the previous autumn no longer fit, so parents are having to stretch their budgets again.

"Children grow quickly - sleeves are suddenly too short, trousers riding up, shoes pinching - what was ‘good enough’ in September can quickly become uncomfortable or inappropriate by spring."

Anna added how unlike optional spending, an updated uniform is about children being able to attend school comfortably and confidently and the parent not having to worry.

Help you might not know about

If you work, or recently worked, in the fashion or textile industry, you could get help with these costs.

The FTCT offers one-off grants to help you pay for things your child needs for school, nursery, or college. And it’s quick to check if you qualify, takes just a few minutes to apply, and you’ll usually hear back within about three weeks.

You can apply if:

• you’re working in the fashion or textile industry, with at least six months’ experience
• you used to work in the industry, at least 12 months in the past nine years
• you’re self-employed in the sector

What you can get help with

The grants can cover more than you might expect. That includes:

• school uniform, PE kit and shoes
• general clothing
• school bags, stationery and books
• equipment for courses
• a laptop for homework, if your child is in secondary school and doesn’t have one
• specialist tools for children with additional needs

In some cases, you can also get help with essentials at home, like furniture, sensory equipment, appliances or therapy support.

The difference it makes

Parents who’ve had support say it can be life-changing.

“This grant has made such a huge difference to our children's lives, they are all now wearing new clothes, shoes and school bits rather than hand me downs or old uniform and clothes from last year,” said one parent.

Another dad shared how it helped his young son feel more settled:

“The school uniform has given him confidence and a sense of belonging at school, allowing him to feel comfortable and proud among his peers and the small table has provided him with a dedicated space to focus on his schoolwork.

“Together, these items have brought stability, comfort, and reassurance to his daily life and reduced stress for our family”

Worth checking

If you’re feeling the squeeze this spring, it’s worth seeing if you qualify. You’ve got nothing to lose, and it could make a real difference to you and your child.