Cornwall clothes bank urges parents to shop earlier to cut school uniform costs

A new survey reveals that parents across the UK anticipate spending an average of £85 on school supplies during the spring months, with many children outgrowing their back-to-school items.

Conducted by Opinium for Rakuten's cashback website, the survey of 2,000 parents of children aged four to sixteen found nearly four-fifths (78 percent) plan to restock school uniforms, shoes, and stationery in spring, spreading the cost throughout the year.

In Camborne, the Children's Clothes Bank at Camborne Church Hall offers a sustainable solution, encouraging parents to swap outgrown school uniforms and shoes for newer sizes.

This service, available on the first Tuesday of each month, aims to help families prepare for the new term while easing financial pressures.

Hayley Gilbert, who runs Camborne Children's Clothes Bank, stresses the importance of utilising local facilities for cost-effective and eco-friendly school preparation.

"It's open to everybody, especially in your local area as you have all the parents from the local schools that donate to us."

Rakuten’s savings expert, Bola Sol, notes that changing shopping timing can be just as impactful as choosing where to shop:

“Back to school shopping is no longer just a September moment. Parents are planning ahead, spreading the cost, and making small, smart savings wherever they can."

As families face budget constraints, initiatives such as Camborne's Clothes Bank continue to assist parents in planning ahead and managing expenses sustainably.

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