Scott Benton MP spoke in the 2nd reading of the Private Member's Bill regarding Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms).
As a former Primary School Teacher he understands the stresses school uniform can put on both parents and children.
Scott has visited a number of schools since being elected including Revoe Learning Academy, Armfield Academy and was joined by the Secretary of State for Education at St George's.
During his speech in the House of Commons he said "I would like to start by stressing the importance of school uniform, of which I am an ardent supporter."
"Speaking to some of the brilliant pupils at these schools they told me how proud they are to wear their uniform and that it helps them get in the correct mindset for learning. It puts them all on a level playing field where their personality, achievement and attitude make them stand out, not the cost of their clothes."
"It never ceased to amaze me as a primary teacher how hard-wearing school uniform could be when I’d see children knee slide across the hall at the school disco or rolling on the floor in the playground. I believe there should be simplicity and longevity in school uniform to make the cost to parents lower than the use of personal clothes."
"However, the rise of branded school uniform and the requirements for a vast number of items including branded P.E kits, separate GCSE clothes and bespoke skirts is making uniform unaffordable for some. I don’t believe parents should be having to make decisions about where to send their children to school based on which has the least number of bespoke garments. Branded items can cost multiple times the non-branded equivalent and using sole suppliers can exacerbate the issue."
He finished by adding "I hope this change in legislation helps those trying to do the right thing to send their children to school with the necessary tools to succeed. I would like to welcome the Government supporting the progress of this Bill through Parliament and the Government’s commitment to levelling up per pupil funding across the country. There is a clear commitment from this Government to ensure all children receive a world class education whatever their background or wherever they live."
