NEW research shows that more than three quarters (77 per cent) of parents in Wales believe the cost of sending their child to state school is increasing, with well over half (52 per cent) agreeing this is a concern.

PTA UK, the national charity that supports parental participation in education and schools, launched its findings today from its annual parent insight survey about the cost of schooling.

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Key results showed half of all respondents were worried about the cost of school trips (51 per cent), with just over half (54 per cent) worrying about the cost of uniforms.

A fifth (21 per cent) worry about the cost of school meals, with the cost for technology, as well as materials/equipment for music, art and sports being also a cause for concern for a fifth of parents.

Further findings from the research revealed, on average, parents in Wales donated £5.50 per month to the school fund in 2017. 

Tracey Handley, programme manager of PTA Cymru, said: “Parents in Wales are concerned with what they see are the increasing costs of sending their children to school.

"We know that parents want to be involved in their child’s education and school life and already contribute positively in many ways that include volunteering their time and skills, supporting learning programmes and raising funds via PTAs and parent bodies.

“The increasing financial demands to enable their children to be ‘school ready’ in buying uniforms, sports equipment and so on, are becoming more difficult to manage especially when combined with direct requests to parents to contribute to the school fund.

“We want schools in Wales to work closely with parents to find the best way to address their concerns, bringing them on a journey which will ultimately ensure children thrive in their learning and education.”

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