State making inroads on back-to-school costs for Galway parents
TWO Galway primary school principals say free schoolbooks and increased Government supports have significantly reduced back-to-school costs for families, with one questioning what major expenses parents now face at primary level.
It comes as a new Barnardos survey found that 60% of both primary and secondary parents who responded were worried about meeting costs, while the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Galway says it continues to encounter families struggling with education expenses.
Principal of Scoil Pádraig Naofa in Cregmore, Joe Kennelly, said pupils at his school will arrive in September with ‘around €400 worth’ of books, copies and other supplies already provided.
“When I read articles, it infuriates me,” he said.
“We have gone to the other side of the curve now. When the children arrive, they will have €400 worth of books, copies and biros with four hardbacks left on their seats. I don't see what costs they are referring to.
“I would love to meet a parent or principal who has an issue with it.”
Mr Kennelly also pointed to the introduction of free school meals as another significant Government support, although he questioned whether they should be provided universally.
“The biggest mistake the Government has made is free lunches in areas like ours,” he said.
“Our contract for meals is €70,000 per year. Most children from a lower socio-economic community are at DEIS Band 1 or 2 schools . They have huge amounts of additional finance and resources.”
Principal of St Joseph's Special School, Sarah McGinley, said the Free Schoolbooks Scheme has significantly reduced what parents need to spend.
“With the grant for schoolbooks, really, back-to-school costs should be at an all-time minimum,” she said.
“It is good for parents to know if they haven't a book list at this point they might not have to get any.”
However, she acknowledged that families with children attending some secondary schools may encounter additional or unexpected costs.
Over a quarter of secondary parents and 21% of primary parents surveyed by Barnardos said they would have to use savings to meet back-to-school costs; 15% of secondary and 9% of primary school parents said they had to take out a loan or borrow from family and friends to meet costs.
Uniforms were one of the main concerns identified, with 70% of parents surveyed saying they were “somewhat or very worried” about meeting the cost.
The average amount reported for uniforms was €118 for a primary pupil and €203 for a secondary student. The primary-school figure was down from €125 last year, while the secondary figure increased slightly from €199. Barnardos also found that less than one-third of primary parents and just 9% of secondary parents said their school offered an affordable uniform option.
Department of Education guidelines state that schools should select generic uniform items that can be bought from a range of retailers and that only iron-on or sew-on crests should be used.
“A uniform is a standard thing, and children have to be dressed,” said Mr Kennelly of Scoil Pádraig Naofa. “What other costs are there?”
He estimated that the cost of a jumper can vary from around €12 to €30 for a branded jumper with a crest.
Mr Kennelly said parents are also asked for €70 a year towards extracurricular activities, an amount he described as “not extravagant”.
“This is something that you are asked for, if it isn't given, that is not a problem.”
The costs include bus fees for Communion and Confirmation and external music lessons.
The Barnardos research suggests digital devices are a more significant issue at secondary level.
Some 57% of secondary parents surveyed said they had to pay digital costs, at an average of €447, up from €430 last year.
By contrast, just 14% of primary parents reported being required to pay digital costs.
One respondent said they were required to pay €850 for a tablet, while another reported buying a €750 laptop.
The Department of Education said there is no requirement for students to own a personal digital device for either Junior Cycle or Leaving Certificate.
Education Minister and Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton raised the issue with schools and boards of management in May, asking them to consider the full cost and equity implications before introducing an approach involving digital devices.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Galway says that, despite the additional supports, it continues to encounter families who struggle with school expenses.
President of the charity's West Region, Séamus McManus, said SVP receives requests for assistance throughout the school year.
Mr McManus highlighted the extra pressures faced by single-parent families and households caring for children with additional needs, where school expenses come on top of energy bills, and everyday living costs.
“These parents are at their wits end,” he said.
“Some are facing major challenges. They are trying to find money for utility bills, food and the school expenses are on top of that. It is a huge stress on people.”
He pointed to uniforms, laptops and the additional costs associated with Transition Year among the expenses that can cause difficulties for families.
“The Government is doing a lot, but there are still people falling through the cracks,” he said.
Voluntary contributions was another area highlighted by the Barnardos survey.
More than four in five primary and secondary parents surveyed said their schools requested a voluntary contribution, with the average amount €83 at primary level and €128 at secondary level. Around two-thirds said the payment did not feel voluntary.
Mr Kennelly stressed that the contribution at Scoil Pádraig Naofa is entirely optional.
He said the money allows the school to carry out improvements which would otherwise be difficult to fund.
The school is currently repainting its interior, replacing internal lighting with LEDs, carrying out a deep clean and having floors repolished, with the works costing in the region of €50,000 to €60,000.
“If we didn't have voluntary contributions, the school wouldn't have that comfort,” he said.
“It is to enhance the running of the school.”
The Department said schools can request voluntary contributions but must explicitly clarify that they are optional and parents have no obligation to pay.
Principal of St Joseph's Special School, Sarah McGinley, urged parents not to be afraid to approach their child's school if they are struggling.
“If anyone is struggling with costs of going back to school, drop the school an email,” she said. “Most schools have surplus supplies available.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.