GLASGOW schools are taking a more relaxed approach to pupils’ uniforms in an attempt to make the cost of schooling more affordable.

Teachers have been given new guidelines which allow more leniency to be shown towards families replacing their children’s uniforms, which are not up to scratch or do not follow school clothing rules.

They came into force in the middle of August, in time for the start of the current school term. It follows an investigation which found up to 50 per cent of children in Glasgow live in poverty and many families are struggling to afford the costs of kitting out their children for the classroom.

Blazers can cost up to £70, with fleeces priced at about £17 and hats and bags range from £3 to £10.

Bailie Liz Cameron, executive member for children, young people and lifelong learning at Glasgow City Council said: “This has been a really important piece of research and the outcomes and guidance will help shape future decisions to help reduce the impact of poverty on our families.

“Our aim is to remove as many barriers to learning as possible, a number of which have been identified during this important project.

“Many of our families struggle to make ends meet so we are committed to make a difference and help by looking at some of the hidden school costs and try to remove at least some pressures from parents and importantly, their children.”

Teaching union, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said it was broadly supportive of the new rules as there are concerns over the financial impact on families of uniform costs.

But a spokeswoman added: “It is important that uniform policies are appropriate for the school in question, and take account of the circumstances of families within the school community.

“While uniform policies in general can help to mitigate against socio-economic differences, overly restrictive policies can be counter-productive and create additional difficulties for families and for pupils.”

The council’s new rules read: “Poverty has the potential to affect all parts of the school day and costs can put up barriers to children and young people enjoying and taking part at school.

“We want to ensure that school costs do not place undue pressure on family budgets, that all children are able to access opportunities and that potential for poverty- related stigma and difference is reduced.”

“Schools should take account of the need for replacement items throughout the year and weather appropriate clothing.

“Families should be given an appropriate amount of time to purchase replacement items. If pupils do not wear the correct uniform then income-related issues should be considered when approaching the issue with pupils.”

It goes on to tell teachers: “School uniforms should be affordable for families on low incomes. Schools should design their uniform policies with very minimum costs at the forefront of their minds.”