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Monday 26, July 2010

Cost of Sending Children to School has Increased, says Children's Charity

Dublin, 26 July 2010 - Children's charity Barnardos today expressed concerns at the rising costs of education for parents and children struggling in the recession. In a survey issued by the organisation, the majority of survey respondents (58%) experienced an increase in the amount they have had to spend on school books this year compared to 2009. This corresponds with recent Consumer Price Index figures which showed that although overall prices were lower by 1.1% compared to May 2009, the cost of education saw a yearly increase of 9.1%.

Fergus Finlay, Barnardos' CEO, said: "This is clearly a worrying trend. Despite the extreme financial pressures facing families with children, the costs associated with sending children to school have actually risen. It is imperative that Government take this into account when considering the upcoming Budget; families who are dependent on social welfare or low incomes absolutely cannot afford any cuts to their income or to supports for their children's education. Children's futures cannot be sacrificed to the recession."

Barnardos' survey shows that the most basic costs of sending children into the new school year presents a very real challenge to many parents, even those who get the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA). The average basic cost for a child going into first year was €815, with the BSCFA payment running to just €305. These figures do not take into account extra costs such as school bags, sports clothing or equipment, stationery, or extracurricular activities such as swimming, class trips.

Norah Gibbons, Barnardos' Directory of Advocacy, said: "There is a huge gap between the amount parents have to pay out and the support payments provided. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is designed as a support for school uniforms and shoes, but it does not in any way support parents with the other big cost of education: school books. This is a serious gap in support provision for many parents. Books are fundamental to a child's learning and development and yet the exorbitant costs of these books are falling on parents' shoulders."

Ms. Gibbons welcomed recent changes to the School Book Grant Scheme, which will now be provided to schools based on the numbers of pupils in a school rather than application by principals based on the number of students they considered in need of financial support for books. The distribution of the funds continues to be at the discretion of the principal, although the establishment of school book rental schemes is being strongly encouraged.

Ms. Gibbons said: "The changes to the School Book Grant Scheme are certainly a step in the right direction and will help to ease the costs of books for some parents. However, as the payment will be given to all children and no sanctions are to be imposed for not setting up a school book rental scheme it remains to be seen how it will be implemented. To further ease the pressure on parents we urge a reduction in the use of workbooks which can't be recycled between pupils or siblings thereby restricting the school book rental scheme to cover only core textbooks."

Mr. Finlay concluded: "In recessionary times, it is perhaps even more important that we look to the education of our future generations. We cannot build a knowledge economy unless we provide equality of access and outcomes to our children. They must all be given the tools they need to pursue their education. There can be no excuse for failing to look at the ongoing cost issues associated with education in Ireland and finding real solutions to ensure children are given the opportunities to learn and reach their potential fully."

ENDS

See a breakdown of the back to school costs here.

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