'I feel strongly about generic uniforms and iPads' - mums on their back-to-school bills

While the youngest is not yet in "big school", her older sister will be heading into first class and with this comes a whole host of new expenses.

This year, she will have to wear a uniform, rather than just the school tracksuit... We are a little bit fortunate that, apart from the school tie, she can wear a generic school uniform, which has allowed me to shop around to get the best value.

The schoolbooks cost €30 and we need to supply her with some general stationery... Overall, back to school is an extremely expensive time for parents no matter what age or class your child is going into.

While she agrees that the costs involved can be very difficult for parents, she says that there are a number of simple changes which schools can make to ensure costs are kept down.

Read at Irish Independent