New research from Save the Children and Family Action suggests that families across the UK are struggling to buy school uniforms and essential educational items for their children.

Around a quarter of those surveyed, earning £30,000 or less, said they would be unlikely to buy new uniforms while a fifth said they would struggle to buy books.

Is there a way for schools to get round this problem by introducing better recycling of clothes and items? Maybe some on your patch are already doing something along these lines.

Children grow out of their uniforms quickly so why not use your newspaper’s profile to set up a ‘hand-me-downs’ service whereby parents can recoup some of the costs of clothing.

What about unused stationary, sports equipment and other essentials?