Survey States Cost Total Over GBP1000 for Each Child Going Back To School

SURREY, ENGLAND, September 15, 2010 (Press-News.org) A new survey that was carried out across the nation has revealed costs for child back to school spiralling up to GBP1000 per child, with parents paying for school trips, accessories, clothing and extra school activities - plus there is added pressure to buy children popular brand named items.

Money saving site DiscountVouchers.co.uk was behind the survey which questioned more than 600 parents from around the UK regarding their outgoings for children coming up to the start of the new school year.

50% of parents, who completed the survey, stated that they were under some amount of pressure to buy their child items such as accessories and shoes that had a brand name. 1 in 4 parents stated that they bought their children items that were of a famous brand so their children could be unique, however 1 in 10, stated they would be concerned that if their children did not have branded items that they may be teased or bullied at school.

The survey results uncovered that women were more likely to purchase items for their child that had a brand name than men, the results also showed they would worry more about the risk of bullying. Other facts revealed were that 10% of parents said the school in which their child would go to did not allow children to have branded items.

Simon Terry spoke on behalf of Discount Vouchers, "Expenditure mounts up at an alarming pace for parents, especially during a time when for most, money is tight. It is a continuing issue that having branded items is so important, however what is more of an issue is the worry of bullying if children do not have the correct items that are of a famous brand name."

95% of those that responded to the new survey said they had spent up to GBP500 on equipment and new school clothing for their children this year. 81% of respondents stated that had spent up to GBP500 on extra activities for children such as swimming and music lessons. Up to GBP1000 had been spent on these activities by 1 in 10 parents, with 3% stating that over GBP1000 had been spent.

Half of those who completed the new survey stated they needed to purchase different uniforms for their children for winter and summer, admitting that these added to the costs of sending a child back to school.

For the preparation of the 2010/2011 school year, 90 % of parents bought new shoes and new school uniforms, 75% purchased new clothing for sports with 21% buying new equipment for sports lessons. 65% of parents stated they had bought new items such as stationary, school bags and coats. Additionally 1 in 10 revealed they had purchased a new mobile phone for their child coming up to the start of the new school year starting.

Simon Terry, also added, "Many families, due to issues such as pay freezes and increased fuel costs have less disposable income so it is becoming important for them to find new ways to save some cash. Most items that children need for school are essential, however parents can use money off vouchers as a way to make cut back thus save money."

Despite cash being tight got many families this year, more than 62% of those who completed the survey stated they would not get a second hand uniform for their child.

Additional information can be found by visiting www.discountvouchers.co.uk.

About DiscountVouchers.co.uk
DiscountVouchers.co.uk features the latest money saving offers from a growing range of retailers, all updated in real time. Designed to help consumers save money with both leading high street brands and specialist retailers, DiscountVouchers.co.uk offers one of the widest choices of discounts available.

Part of ASAP Ventures Ltd, the company behind the award winning Carrentals.co.uk price comparison site, DiscountVouchers.co.uk is committed to offering a growing range of the best savings available online.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk.

Media contact -
Rachel Builder & Jenny White
Context
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jenny.white@contextpr.co.uk
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