Can schools force parents to buy branded stationery and cleaning supplies?

Lester Kiewit speaks to Sue Larkan, a parents' rights activist and founder of Tabansi, an organisation that helps parents navigate school rules.

Listen below.

In addition to school books, reams of printing paper, colouring pencils, pens, Pritt and more, parents might be shocked to find that some stationery lists also include bulk quantities of cleaning supplies like dishwashing liquid, Pine Gel and Handy Andy.

"We see this happening regularly where budgets for specific things at schools are removed or reduced, which means schools have to rely on parents to fill funding gaps," explains Larkan.

Schools are given funding to ensure they can buy these cleaning supplies. "The costs and reduction of funding to quantal four and five schools, which are the wealthier schools, are pushing this responsibility back onto parents," says Larken. 

Many schools also ask parents to buy housework supplies as cleaning has happened more frequently since COVID-19. "But it's not legally binding,"  adds Larken. 

She believes the cost of school cleaning maintenance products should be included in school fees 'so that parents aren't hit with this huge cost at the beginning of the year'.

Larken also calls out the specific branded items on stationery lists. "The branded names they're insisting on are also ridiculous. So, it's the parent's obligation to make sure your child has the right books and pens, but it doesn't have to be a specific brand, especially if you can't afford it."

"There's no way they [schools] can force parents to buy these items... Parents can decide if they want to buy all items or buy one item and issue it... But there's no legal regulation that says you must."

- Sue Larkan, parents' rights activist

"If you can't afford the full lot maybe relay that to the school. Send them an email and say you will buy what you can."

- Sue Larkan, parents' rights activist

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