School uniforms appeal

Local MLA Robin Swann has called on the Education Minister “to guarantee” funding for parents who will have to buy new school uniforms for children currently attending schools earmarked for closure.

By The Newsroom

Published 29th Jun 2014, 14:30 BST

The UUP Assemblyman issued his challenge following a written question to the Minister who replied that financial assistance is available through the Education and Library Boards’ Clothing Allowance Scheme to support families on low incomes with the cost of uniforms.

He stated: “Parents may apply through their Board for assistance under the Scheme provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria. My Department has allocated £5.4 million to fund the Clothing Allowance Scheme in 2014/15.”

Mr Swann said: “The Minister must give firm guarantees that this cash will be given directly to parents so that they are not unnecessarily suffering financial hardships because of his decision to close the schools which their children attend.”