Help with school uniforms

Organisation
Family Information Service
Author
Maryam Makki
Author's position
Family Information Service Manager
Article date
1 July 2021
Primary interest
Families and Parenting

The Family Information Service has had a significant increase in parent carers requesting assistance (grants) towards school uniform costs, mainly for young people starting secondary school in September.

There isn’t a grant available for school uniform in the Reading Borough area. The first point of call would be the school your child is going to attend as they may have funds available or offer uniforms at a reduced rate, or previously owned to families on low incomes. We also have some great charities in Reading that can help with previously owned (nearly new) uniforms, and some grant giving organisations.

There are four local charities that may be able to help with pre-owned school uniforms:
  • New Beginnings, a charity based at The Queens Arms, Great Knollys Street, were offering free school uniforms in August last year before the beginning of September term. Please visit their website to find out more. They also have a Facebook page for up to date information. You can also contact them on 07421 998208.
  • First Days, a charity based in Wokingham, offer help with school uniforms – you would need to be able to pick up the clothing from their base. Visit their website or call 0118 9219 338 to find out more.
  • The Weller Centre, on the Amersham Road in Caversham, have had school uniforms available in the run up to September term. Visit their website or Facebook page, or call 118 9475828 for up to date information.
  • Whitley CDA, on Northumberland Avenue, have a surplus food and school uniform pop up on Thursday and Friday, 9am-12pm. Contact them directly to check this is still running: Call 0118 374002, email info@whitley-cda.org, visit their website or Facebook page.
About the Family Information Service

The Family Information Service is a statutory service providing free individually tailored, impartial information, advice and guidance on any family matter. The service is available to any family member taking care of children or young people aged 0-19 years of age inclusive (up to 25 years for children and young people with SEND) as well as professionals working with families in Reading. The service is delivered by qualified staff in Information, Advice and Guidance.