Parent Engagement Group

A group of passionate people aiming to ensure policy makers include, and listen to, the voice of parents. Co-Founders @NaomiMcburney & @Robinson_Linds.

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

We have asked the Education Minister to step in & remove the worry for children, young people & parents by urging schools to adopt a reasonable & flexible approach upon the return to school. Expensive #SchoolUniforms are a choice that schools have made despite Department guidance

[Sinéad McLaughlin MLA @SineadMcL4Foyle]

The Education Minister is failing to adequately address the cost of school uniforms. Instead she is dodging questions that pose potential solutions.

This response does nothing to alleviate the pressures that parents are under right now.

[Employers4Childcare @EFCCG]

Helpful guide to the Healthy Start scheme (who is eligible, how to claim etc) available on our website https://t.co/IwIXkUx8zW

Our advisors can help families make sure they are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to - call 0800 028 3008 for personalised advice

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

We are now entering the season when #parents once again have to dig deep to pay for summer #SchoolUniforms as the crested polo shirts and summer uniforms begin to make an appearance. Parents need to see change in the midst of this challenging financial climate @DEpermsec

[The Nolan Show, BBC @BBCNolan]

Cuts on education "terrify" @nichildcom @ShriekingGreek - she says "I have never been more angry with our politicians" and "this is a consequence of not having an Executive making budget decisions"

Podcast 📲 @BBCSounds

[Secondary Students’ Union NI @SSUofNI]

DAY 3!

Heating in Schools is today’s topic.

[Secondary Students’ Union NI @SSUofNI]

DAY 1

Today is the first of our week long campaign highlighting the current ways in which the cost of living crisis is affecting students in NI.

The issue we are addressing today is Food Poverty.

[Dyslexia Awareness NI (DANI) @daniadvocacy]

😍👇👇👇
Check out this great interactive document packed with TONS of FREE dyslexia resources.
@NI_Teachers @curriculumni @Education_NI @QuercusDyslexia @SENACNI @ParentActionNI @ParentPEG @TPL_NI @nichildcom @disabilityni @DisabilityEdUK @ChildLawCentre

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

A very useful resource @Ed_Authority @Education_NI

[Child Poverty Action Group @CPAGUK]

NEW! Resource for schools out today.

We all want children to have a great experience at school, and not be held back by school costs.

Based on interviews and surveys carried out with over 1,900 parents, it features helpful tips and suggestions for schools to consider.

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

@petsie7 @RemoveTheRoom The financial strain placed on children and their families is a very real concern which has prompted legislation to be introduced in England & Wales with Scotland currently consulting. Might be worth a read 👇

https://t.co/bzeKag6mib

[Nick Mathison @NickDMathison]

Would be so disappointing if Dept of Education budget pressures impact any plans to widen access to school uniform grants. All the more reason why we need legislation to cap these costs for everyone

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

This is worrying for #parents already struggling to afford #SchoolUniforms who may be hopeful of an increase in grant support. Even more reason for the introduction of legislation with an embedded price cap to protect all families from excessive school uniform costs! #PutACapOnIt

[BBC News NI @BBCNewsNI]

A new budget for Northern Ireland has been set at Westminster, with the Education Department told it will need to make significant cuts #Stormont https://t.co/qR0N0Ks3WS

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

👏An excellent briefing from @CPAGScotland to the @scotgov as they consult on #SchoolUniform statutory guidance.

'School costs can be impossible to afford for families on lower incomes. Uniform represents one of the most significant costs.'

Read more 👇
https://t.co/i2PJCMm4CU

[Women's Support Net @WSN_NI]

@herloyalvoice @BelfastBre @UniteunionNI @CwuEmassey Loads more examples like this - it's so hard for so many right now and they really need help to afford the basics and get through this winter ⬇️

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

This is welcome news. So many families will need this relief!

[Education NI @Education_NI]

Education Minister @MMcIlveenDUP has announced £5.5 million for a school holiday food grant until March 2023.

More ➡️ https://t.co/n1cdMz810t

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

In 2007 @OFTgov wrote to schools, incl NI schools urging them to end exclusive deals.This prompted #SchoolUniform guidance to be developed by @Education_NI @BBCNewsNI revealed in August 22 the guidance isn't working as they revealed 1 in 4 post primary schools benefit from deals!

[Advice NI @AdviceNI]

Confused about what Cost of Living support is available to you? Check out our latest Cost of Living guide, which will give you information on benefits, government support schemes & other help available. https://t.co/ZOkSKHd77F

[Sinéad McLaughlin MLA @SineadMcL4Foyle]

These testimonies are really heartbreaking. We need to be giving pupils the benefit of the doubt.

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

In Scotland @CPAGUK developed 'The cost of the school day'. Guidance includes: Giving the benefit of the doubt when children arrive at school not wearing full uniform. Schools involved in the project have opted to explore this sensitively, rather than disciplining automatically.

[Children in NI @ChildreninNI]

Here it is, Parentline NI's brand new animation, just in time for #parentingweek.

This is our message to you, to reach out and get in touch on 0808 8020 400, we are here for you, #inyourcorner.

Please share widely 😊
@healthdpt
@kerry_mclean

[Shaunagh #RemoveTheRoom @RemoveTheRoom]

Patents/carers are struggling to afford basics, children are facing disciplinary sanctions for uniform infringements that they have absolutely no control over. The dept can intervene to at the very least remove sanctions from children.

Families can't afford to replace items.

[Parent Engagement Group @ParentPEG]

The Welsh legislation on #SchoolUniforms states: 'where single supplier arrangements are in place, governing bodies should review these arrangements regularly & be able to demonstrate they have obtained the best value for money from suppliers eg. through a tendering process.'