AS schools break up for the summer, families will be starting to think about school uniform shopping.

From September, a number of Labour’s policies for schools kick into action. They’re designed to boost children’s ability to do well at school, to tackle child poverty and to save parents money on the cost of sending children to school.

The first is that, from September 1, school uniform changes. Schools are now only allowed to require three branded uniform items - plus a tie in secondaries. This change is predicted to save parents £50 per child in the back-to-school shop.

We did it because research showed that almost half of parents are worried about uniform costs, and some have even gone without heating or food to afford branded items. That’s not right - children should be able to go to school looking smart without it costing parents the earth.

These savings will be welcome across Barnsley, especially following the announcement that the new Reform council are reducing the school uniform grant.

This measure was fully costed by the previous Labour council to give every family a uniform grant. Alongside their decision to cut revision packs for year 11, this will be a blow to many families across the borough.

The Labour government continues to rollout free breakfast clubs from September.

Five primary schools in Barnsley South will be offering this support; Joseph Locke, Shaw Lane, Carrfield, King’s Oak and Goldthorpe with more to be rolled out in the future.

The clubs are proven to boost children’s attendance, attainment, concentration and wellbeing. At the same time, they give parents 30 minutes of time back on busy mornings while saving them £450 a year. And by making them free and universal, all children will be able to benefit.

Then, at lunchtime, half a million more children will be getting a free school meal thanks to Labour’s expansion - that includes over 6,600 families here in Barnsley South.

Free school meals will save parents £500 a year while making sure that children are able to give their all at school, with full bellies and hungry minds.

But this isn’t just a pro-learning measure, it’s an anti-poverty one, too. It forms part of Labour’s Child Poverty Strategy which will see us lift half a million children out of poverty, a record number of any government on record.

These are three changes at the start of the school year that will make a big difference - making things easier for parents, making life chances better for children, making our country stronger and fairer.

And don’t forget to take advantage of the government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign which will run through to Wednesday September 16.

The scheme sees the rate of VAT cut from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on family attractions and children’s meals. The cut covers children and family group tickets to cinemas, concerts, exhibitions and theatre, all tickets to family-focused attractions, including soft play areas, circuses, fairs, amusements parks, zoos and museums and children’s restaurant meals.

The other key element of our package is to reduce the cost of free bus travel for five to 15 year olds in England throughout August.

I hope all families across Barnsley South enjoy the summer holidays and that these measures will help with planning for now up to the new school year.