Back to school boost sees 1,400 Wandsworth children receive free school uniform through innovative partnership

The scheme is providing practical support to local families at one of the most expensive times of the year, ensuring children can start the new term with the uniform they need.

Wandsworth is the first council to bring together national school uniform charity Donate to Educate, local community charity Dons Local Action Group, and environmental charity, The Scrubbery, to create a new model of support that is helping families, reducing waste and making the most of donated resources. It has also replaced the Council’s previous school uniform support programme, which cost £190,000, demonstrating how partnership working can deliver practical support for residents while making better use of available resources.

The scheme helps families manage back to school costs while reducing waste by redistributing donated uniform from major retailers.

Councillor George Crivelli, Cabinet Member for Children said, "We know the cost of going back to school can put pressure on family budgets.

“That's why we’re delighted that more than 1,400 children and young people have received free school uniforms ahead of the new academic year.

“By bringing together charities, community organisations and volunteers, we’ve created an innovative partnership that delivers practical support for families, helps reduce waste and ensures more children have what they need to start the school year confidently.”

Families eligible through Free School Meals have been invited to apply for the scheme, with uniforms available to collect from Family Hubs across the borough before the start of term.

One parent collecting their children's uniform said: "This has made a huge difference for our family.

"School uniforms are a big expense over the summer, so receiving brand-new uniform means one less thing to worry about before the children go back to school.

"We're really grateful for the support."

The partnership brings together Donate to Educate, which sources new uniform donated by major retailers, Dons Local Action Group, which has supported transport and logistics, and The Scrubbery, whose volunteers have helped prepare thousands of items for distribution.