Back to school costing parents €500 per child

Westmeath parents are having to spend in excess of €500 per child in preparation for the new school year.

That's according to a new survey by children's charity Barnardos, which revealed that parents in Westmeath and neighbouring counties with children in primary school are spending on average €76 to €100 on school uniforms, and the same figure on school book costs. Most are expected to pay between €40 and €59 as a ‘voluntary’ contribution, with many paying a lot more.

For those with children in secondary school, the back to school costs are even higher. According to the report, parents are having to shell out on average between €176 to €200 for a school uniform and the vast majority are spending more than €250 on school books. The average voluntary contribution is between €100 and €150.

One parent who contributed to the survey revealed the pressure that she is under at this time of year.

“As a parent of four I have it very hard to get money together for the kids going back to school. I have it hanging over me all summer no holidays in our home.”