9.The Act places a statutory duty on the Department of Education to issue guidelines about school uniform policies. As well as having statutory underpinning, such guidelines are binding in relation to the managers of all relevant schools i.e. grant-aided and independent primary and post-primary schools. In addition, the Department is entitled, or in certain circumstances required, to give directions to ensure compliance with guidelines in appropriate cases. As with guidelines, such directions are binding.
10.In addition, the Act amends Article 60 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, so a uniform grant (known as the clothing allowance) can be accessed for the benefit of pupils at independent schools - this can already be accessed for children at grant-aided schools.
Overview