2 minute read
Education Act Guidance...
by Banner Ltd
Education Act Guidance...
The new Education Act guidance is a clear endorsement of school uniform and schoolwear retailers – it is good news for our industry but communication to parents and schools is critical.
The Headlines
• Uniforms are beneficial to students, parents and schools.
• Sole supply agreements are good for service and year round availability.
• Uniform should be affordable and accessible to all.
• Schools should consider the number of compulsory items.
• Contracts over a *specified value should be tendered every five years.
* The DfE are expected to provide more guidance over contract size, but we anticipate that a large contract will be defined as one over the threshold for other public procurement contracts of £189,000 during their lifetime i.e. £37,800 per annum over 5 years. Contracts below this value would require a less formal process but would still require documentation from a prospective provider.
Education Act - The small print
The new guidance requires schools and their appointed retailers to consider a range of factors including:
BEST VALUE
- ensuring best quality and value for money, not just lowest price
OVERALL COST
- carefully considering all the items that make up the uniform package.
LIMITING CHANGES
- avoiding frequent changes to uniforms, and explaining how any changes improve value.
OPTIONAL AND COMPULSORY ITEMS
- keeping brands and logos to a minimum while retaining identity of the school.
SECOND HAND AVAILABILITY
- ensuring information on how to access second hand uniform is available.
INVOLVING PUPILS AND PARENTS
- considering the views of parents and pupils when deciding on uniform policy.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION
- policies should be easy to understand and available to all existing and prospective parents.
