Families could save up to £1,000 when new school uniform law comes into force this September

A new school uniform law is among the latest measures that could help struggling families save up to £1,000 a year from this September 1.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which was brought in by the Labour government on April 29, will see the expansion of free school meals, free breakfast clubs, and a restriction on pricey branded school uniforms in the aim of cutting costs for families, protecting vulnerable children, and raising standards from early years through to adulthood.

From September, schools must limit branded uniform items to three (not including ties), making uniforms much cheaper. The Department for Education said the affordability of school uniforms “should never be a barrier to the schools for which parents apply”.

More children will also qualify for free school meals, and over 2,000 free breakfast clubs will open to help families and support pupils’ learning.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “This landmark legislation fixes the foundations in our schools, puts money back into parents’ pockets, and provides critical new protections for our most vulnerable children.

“From lifting the two-child limit to transforming the life chances of children with SEND, this government is already making strides to cut the link between background and success.

“These new laws are another major milestone in our mission to make sure every child – wherever they grow up and go to school – has the opportunity to succeed.”

Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind added: “Millions of parents are struggling with added school costs like expensive school uniform. Rising costs are hitting everyone hard, but parents have school costs they have no option but to pay.

“The Act will make a difference to these parents by tackling the cost of living and putting limits on expensive uniform items. This will help struggling parents, including many on middle incomes too.

“Free breakfast clubs and cheaper uniforms will help parents and tackle some of the extra costs that make life more difficult for parents. Getting more breakfast clubs going helps parents to hold down a job and get kids to school.”

The Act strengthens child protection by putting safety first, tackling illegal children’s homes, and giving Ofsted more power. It also supports reforms to reduce the attainment gap and improve SEND support.

New rules will improve information sharing and allow earlier help for children, supported by a new Single Unique Identifier and a duty to share safety information. “Children Not in School” registers will make sure every child is known to local authorities and getting a suitable education.

Schools must follow guidance on limiting mobile phone use, and multi-academy trusts will be inspected and follow national standards. A new admissions system will help ensure enough school places, with the Schools Adjudicator stepping in if needed.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act is a significant step towards a more joined up, child-centred approach to children’s social care, education and safety.

“I have long called for many of the measures included in the legislation like a single unique identifier for children and stronger protections to keep siblings together in care.

“Vitally, it will strengthen safeguarding protections for children, particularly those who, as tragically happened to Sara Sharif, face being removed from school despite serious safeguarding concerns.

“This Act will bring about welcome change, but the true test will be how quickly and effectively these reforms are delivered for children who have been let down for too long. The government must be ambitious in their implementation of the Act so these measures have a tangible impact on children’s lives as soon as possible.”