No Additional Uniform Support for Parents Following School Closure

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has condemned the Department of Education's refusal to provide additional financial support for parents facing unexpected uniform costs following the closure of schools, including Straidhavern Primary School.

Mr Swann recently raised the issue facing parents of the now-closed Straidhavern Primary School, namely the need to buy entirely new school uniforms for children who have been forced to change schools.

Education Minister Paul Givan MLA outlined to Mr Swann the support available through school uniform grants, but for those who are ineligible, the Department confirmed:

“There is no other financial assistance available to families to help with uniform costs, including in situations where pupils are having to move to a new school due to the closure of their previous school.”

Mr Swann commented:

“This decision will be a significant blow for families who depend on hand-me-down uniforms or have bought items to last multiple years.

“This was an avoidable and unfair additional cost, forced upon parents who had no say in the school closure. The Minister should reconsider this position and provide support to these families.”