Clothing grants should be increased to help some of Dundee’s poorest families pay for school uniforms, a senior councillor has claimed.
Across the city 1,630 children started primary one today, joining thousands of other youngsters who are continuing their schooling.
Many parents, particularly those of first-time pupils, will have had to invest in new uniforms, blazers and sports kit.
Laurie Bidwell, Labour’s education spokesman on Dundee City Council, believes preparing their children for the classroom may be a financial burden too far for some parents.
In 2009 a Scottish Government working group proposed a minimum level for a school clothing grant of £70.
But at the moment grants in Dundee are restricted to just £50 and Mr Bidwell said the sum “hardly seemed adequate or fair” in a city with such “significant” levels of poverty.
A recent survey by the BBC revealed just six out of the 32 council areas in Scotland met that proposed minimal level, with many having failed to increase the grants for a decade.
“Although I have four children myself it has been some time since I’ve personally had to buy school uniform,” Mr Bidwell said. “I have, however, spoken to neighbours and constituents who have spoken of the pain of kitting their children out for school.
“The next meeting of the Fairness Commission will focus upon educational inequality and I intend to raise this issue at the meeting.”
The problem has been recognised by a non-profit organisation in the city.
Togs for Tots to Teens collects and distributes clothing to families in need around Tayside and is calling on people to donate unwanted school uniforms.
Jordan Butler, 33, from Birkhill, who runs the group, said having adequate uniforms could have a massive impact on a child’s performance at school, especially among older children.
He said Togs for Tots to Teens had been well supported but there was a need for more clothing for older boys, including school shoes.
For more information or to donate any school uniforms contact Jordan via www.facebook.com/togsfortotsdundee.