Families in Nottingham are saving money on school uniforms through a council-funded scheme offering pre-loved clothing from as little as 50p, with free items available to eligible households.
Nottingham City Council has partnered with Cress to give all 113 schools in the city access to the scheme, which has the potential to support more than 43,000 children and their families.
The initiative allows schools to set up online shops selling donated uniforms at reduced prices throughout the school year. Schools can also provide codes enabling eligible families to obtain items free of charge.
Some schools are already reporting savings for parents.
Southglade Primary School has passed on 110 items of uniform since launching its online shop, while Glade Hill Primary School has helped families save approximately £500 in just over a week.
The scheme forms part of Nottingham City Council’s wider £7.6 million funding programme aimed at supporting frontline services and improving services for residents.
Schools retain the money raised from uniform sales, providing an additional source of income while reducing clothing waste.
Councillor Sulcan Mahmood, Executive Member for Employment, Education and Skills, said:
“School uniform is an expense that can put real pressure on family budgets, particularly when children grow out of clothing so quickly. Through our additional funding, we’re helping Nottingham families access affordable uniform throughout the school year, with free items available to those who need additional support.
“This is a practical way to support families while helping schools raise funds and making good use of clothing that still has plenty of life left in it. We’d encourage parents and carers to speak to their child’s school to find out what’s available and how to access support.”
A parent at Sneinton CE Primary School described how the scheme had helped their family as winter approached.
They said: “This means a lot as winter is approaching and it’s a sudden worry for families less privileged and every child needs to be warm. I was so happy when the jumper just arrived and was the right fit and above all warm.”
Cress provides support to participating schools to establish and manage their online uniform shops. Schools covered by the council funding can still sign up free of charge, with Cress handling the setup process.
Katherine Molyneux, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Cress, said:
“The feedback from the schools I’ve met has been wonderful. Working directly with each school means we can see the real difference Cress is making for families and school communities. Schools want to help their families and having a practical way to make affordable uniform available throughout the year is making a real impact.
“What makes this particularly rewarding is that the benefits stay within the community. Families save money, schools can generate income and clothing that still has plenty of life left in it is used again.”
Parents and carers are advised to contact their child’s school for details of its uniform shop, available stock and eligibility for free items.
Families can also check whether their school is participating through the Cress website.
