PARENTS throughout Wales are being urged to recycle school uniforms after the Welsh Government acknowledged some families were being expected to spend ‘eye-watering’ amounts of money simply to send their children to classes.

However, one local school is already ahead of the curve - Aberporth PTA are making use of the village's recycled clothes rail Dillad Dywaith to ensure that cash-strapped families can access school uniforms for free.

Education Minister Jeremy Miles said in a letter to all schools that the Government were aware that the cost-of-living crisis meant school uniforms and other items could be a financial burden, particularly for lower income and large families.

He added that the situation could only intensify with the further energy price rise in October.

“We know that school logos, for example, continue to be a burden for many families,” said Mr Miles.

“I have therefore asked my officials to explore options in respect of logos on school uniforms.

“Options will include whether schools should either have no logo at all, or use ‘iron on logos’ to be made available free of charge.

“This would give families the option to purchase uniform at cheaper costs from a retailer of their choice.”

Giving her reaction, Aberporth School chair of governors Sue Lewis said: “This is deeply depressing and an indication of how the cost of living crisis is impacting on us all.

“I've been a school governor for 25 years and have never seen such a situation.

“We are lucky that here in Aberporth the village hall runs a popular recycled clothes rail Dillad Dwywaith - it saves money and stops clothes going to landfill."

The school is now notifying parents to remind them of the resource.

One north Pembrokeshire mum said primary school uniforms with logos tended to be poor quality.

“They tend to fray badly around the cuffs and don't wash well,” she added. “The cheaper, plain jumpers - which are about a third of the price of the official school ones - last much longer.”

Meanwhile, a charity has said more support is needed for families with children of school age.

The Bevan Foundation said the eligibility criteria for school uniform was too narrow and that more parents would need help.