Between €1000 - €1400 to get a child back to school? Who are they chatting to?

NIMAN

So according to the latest report, it costs on average €1000 in back to school costs for each national school aged child, and €1400 for secondary aged.

€1000 per child? Seriously?

Must be getting kitted out in designer gear are they?

electrobanana

I presume books are involved..school books are pretty expensive iirc.

The Backwards Man

In my day, all we got was a new length of baling twine to hold up our short trousers and a piece of a fertilizer bag as an insole for our shoes.

And we were damn glad to get it too.

BattleCorp

This figure is including trips, foreign tours etc. Sure doesn't everybody go on a few foreign trips every year with the school?

:rolleyes:

foggy_lad

Books
Pens/pencils/colouring pencils etc
Uniform
Coat/Jacket/Hat/Gloves
Shoes
Runners
Tracksuits
Art & Craft stuff
Lunch box/Drinks bottle
School bag
Subscription for school milk
Donation for school bully

Donation to school for Art & Craft stuff

School stationary charge(usually €60-€150) for administration/photocopying etc

It's Free Education don't you know!

vandriver

My son's school has sent a bill home for e370 and a voluntary contribution of e400.
Add in new school uniform,a new bag,stationery and some sports equipment and I'm easily over a grand.

fedor.2.

People should take all these costs into consideration before having kids, instead of moaning about it later.

maudgonner

I you look at there breakdown of these figures it includes more than just uniform & books.

From what I remember from radio reports this morning it includes lunches, transport, school trips, extra-curricular activities, after-school care and voluntary contributions.

Winterlong

Survey carried out by the Irish league of credit unions....wonder if they are trying to get people to borrow more to keep up with the neighbours?

Anyway, the break down is;

Extracurricular activities: €185
Uniforms: €183
Books: €146
Lunches: €145
After school care: €123
Fees/contribution: €113
School trips: €115
Transport: €101
Gym gear: €74

arctictree

Once our first went to school, it was a huge relief from the 1K per month in childcare!

Polo_Mint

Do they not use Ipads in school now ?

Does it include what used to be referred to as the 'voluntary contribution' i.e. the parents made up the shortfall between the budget the State allowed and the actual cost of running a school? When I was in primary school in Ireland the contribution looked for was a couple of hundred, and I'm 29 now.

Between that, uniform, shoes, winter coat, supplies, books, sports and extra-curricular subs, perhaps an after-school club or homework club, I can see how that can exceed the cost above.

FortySeven

Never spent a grand getting two children back to school. Where are these people shopping?

Del2005

Too many schools still have a requirement to wear a crest which can only be bought in a local shop that costs more for a jumper than a designer one.

But the cost in the report is for school tours to foreign countries so of course it'll cost a lot, tours are optional.

Del2005

FortySeven wrote: »

Never spent a grand getting two children back to school. Where are these people shopping?

Most likely the same people who spend 4 figures on communion dresses and then skip the church to get to the meal.

smash

Winterlong wrote: »

Survey carried out by the Irish league of credit unions....wonder if they are trying to get people to borrow more to keep up with the neighbours?

Anyway, the break down is;

Extracurricular activities: €185
Uniforms: €183
Books: €146
Lunches: €145
After school care: €123
Fees/contribution: €113
School trips: €115
Transport: €101
Gym gear: €74

And out of that list, the back to school cost is actually just:

Gym gear: €74
Fees/contribution: €113
Uniforms: €183
Books: €146

Which is a total of €516. Now lets consider that most schools have a book rental scheme, the cost comes down to €415. And lets be realistic about the uniform, as it's really just a jumper and everything else can be got in Dunnes for the square root of fcuk all, the cost comes down to €295. Voluntary contribution? Maybe you don't want to pay it... €260 ish. New bag and lunch box €25 so that's €285 now. That's a long way off the tripe that the papers are putting out there.

Winterlong

smash wrote: »

And out of that list, the back to school cost is actually just:

Gym gear: €74
Fees/contribution: €113
Uniforms: €183
Books: €146

Which is a total of €516. Now lets consider that most schools have a book rental scheme, the cost comes down to €415. And lets be realistic about the uniform, as it's really just a jumper and everything else can be got in Dunnes for the square root of fcuk all, the cost comes down to €295. Voluntary contribution? Maybe you don't want to pay it... €260 ish. New bag and lunch box €25 so that's €285 now. That's a long way off the tripe that the papers are putting out there.

To summarise. The report is a load of bollocks.

beach_walker

smash wrote: »

New bag and lunch box €25 so that's €285 now.

You could probably knock that one off, who's buying those new every year?!

BrokenArrows

The voluntary contribution is a joke. Its not voluntary at all and if parents keep paying it then the government will not increase the funding. And remember the parents have already paid all their taxes on that voluntary contribution.

And schools need to start making use of modern technology. The government should commission the creation of digital books and these can be distributed to children as needed.

FortySeven

Del2005 wrote: »

Too many schools still have a requirement to wear a crest which can only be bought in a local shop that costs more for a jumper than a designer one.

But the cost in the report is for school tours to foreign countries so of course it'll cost a lot, tours are optional.

You can request the badge and sew it on yourself. If they won't provide the crest just send them in a similar coloured jumper without it.

suicide_circus

fedor.2. wrote: »

People should take all these costs into consideration before having kids, instead of moaning about it later.

luckily people aren't that logical or the species would have been extinguished a long time ago.

smash

Winterlong wrote: »

To summarise. The report is a load of bollocks.

Yes. Complete bollox fabricated by people who want a hand out.

fedor.2.

suicide_circus wrote: »

luckily people aren't that logical or the species would have been extinguished a long time ago.

You reckon? Maybe we wouldn't have so many dummies around, if people were that "logical"

Is it really that difficult to think, even for a brief moment, if you can afford to have kids?

dr.fuzzenstein

fedor.2. wrote: »

People should take all these costs into consideration before having kids, instead of moaning about it later.

You see that is classical idiotic shortsighted thinking. These kids will pay your pension through their taxes and private pension contributions, it's because of them you will be able to retire one day. If now only families have their 1.2 kids where both spouses are working and both earn the €40k minimum that is required to keep the house, holiday, pay for childcare, going out, have 2x max three year old cars in the drive, full Sky package and latest phones, tablets, laptop lifestyle, you will have to work until you're 75 and then your pension pot will be gone and the state pension will be a fiver a week.
People NEED to have kids, especially in Europe where birth rates are declining and if you are lucky enough to live in a country that has a good birth rate, count your blessings. Subsidizing them a tiny bit is merely an investment in your own future.
I don't know why the Irish hate kids so much (along with trees, animals and good food or beer) with people describing them as spawn, crotch goblins and whatnot.
These kids will pay your pension, plus decide what home you go to, so better be nice!

Idbatterim

You see that is classical idiotic shortsighted thinking. These kids will pay your pension through their taxes and private pension contributions, it's because of them you will be able to retire one day.

I doubt the kids from the shout the loudest brigade will be net contributors to society! Aldi or Lidl had a tv ad yesterday and they were giving the back to school clothing away, there is also mr price and dealz etc where the stuff is literally given away. I don't buy that generalisation for a second...

Now the cost of childcare for working PARENTS (note the plural), that is an issue I have massive sympathy with the parents on...

Del2005

FortySeven wrote: »

You can request the badge and sew it on yourself. If they won't provide the crest just send them in a similar coloured jumper without it.

Don't forget the tracksuit for PE can only be the school one.

Why does a school require a crest on their uniform at all?

the groutch

It nothing more than the credit unions scaremongering parents into borrowing money they don't need to spend.

BrianBoru00

So the back to school cost whinging is starting in July now is it?

FFS, Its getting as bad as Christmas countdown starting in October.

andekwarhola

A grand sounds extreme, that said, my kids are not in secondary school.

At the moment, I'd say it adds up to about 3-400 a kid for us.

Winterlong

BrianBoru00 wrote: »

So the back to school cost whinging is starting in July now is it?

FFS, Its getting as bad as Christmas countdown starting in October.

Woo Hoo, only 168 sleeps to go!

Jayop

Smash won this thread.

it's a load of bollocks really, especially including the cost of the lunches. Unless the kid's lunch for the first week is coming to €145 then it's not a "back to school" expense. I have 2 kids in school and the combined cost of both wouldn't be that much.


Shoes from last year OK for both because we got good shoes at the time. School jumpers OK for both although the wee girl's one had to be replaced at the end of the last term because the elbow was worn out of it. Both have book rental schemes, both will be wearing trousers from Penny's or Dunnes. I drop them to school with 2 other kids and their parents pick them up so no transport costs, no afterschool costs.

meeeeh

I calculated that in the first year only the birthday parties costed us at least 600 Euro (going to them and organizing one). And yes I know they don't have to go but you don't want your kid to be left out. That being said it's still way cheaper than preschool child care.

Grandeeod

smash wrote: »

And out of that list, the back to school cost is actually just:

Gym gear: €74
Fees/contribution: €113
Uniforms: €183
Books: €146

Which is a total of €516. Now lets consider that most schools have a book rental scheme, the cost comes down to €415. And lets be realistic about the uniform, as it's really just a jumper and everything else can be got in Dunnes for the square root of fcuk all, the cost comes down to €295. Voluntary contribution? Maybe you don't want to pay it... €260 ish. New bag and lunch box €25 so that's €285 now. That's a long way off the tripe that the papers are putting out there.

SPOT ON!

Cost me approx. €300 for third class and that includes two extracurricular activities and the school tour.

Grandeeod

the groutch wrote: »

It nothing more than the credit unions scaremongering parents into borrowing money they don't need to spend.

Or its CU members exaggerating the cost so they can pay for the mid term trip to Lanzo.

nhunter100

smash wrote:

Yes. Complete bollox fabricated by people who want a hand out.

The Irish League of Credit Unions released the report. So what handout are they seeking?

macnug

We did the back to school thing early this year (for once) and spend about 190 so far, should have another 100-150 to go. Don't know where there getting 1000 from. I know kids need wet gear etc but not every year.

fatherted1969

FortySeven wrote: »

Never spent a grand getting two children back to school. Where are these people shopping?

Where ours went to school there was only one or two places you could get the uniform so it's not like you could shop around for the best prices. Shops charge what they like cos they know you have to get it there no matter what

ceadaoin.

fedor.2. wrote: »

People should take all these costs into consideration before having kids, instead of moaning about it later.

Yes they should means test anyone who wants kids. Can't afford the projected cost of raising a child? Sterilization!

Ffs

FortySeven

fatherted1969 wrote: »

Where ours went to school there was only one or two places you could get the uniform so it's not like you could shop around for the best prices. Shops charge what they like cos they know you have to get it there no matter what

Even a 50 Euro jumper and a 100 Euro tracksuit they are miles away.

selastich2

why is lunches included? If your child didn't go to school, you'd still have to feed it

selastich2

Jayop wrote: »

Smash won this thread.

it's a load of bollocks really, especially including the cost of the lunches. Unless the kid's lunch for the first week is coming to €145 then it's not a "back to school" expense. I have 2 kids in school and the combined cost of both wouldn't be that much.


Shoes from last year OK for both because we got good shoes at the time. School jumpers OK for both although the wee girl's one had to be replaced at the end of the last term because the elbow was worn out of it. Both have book rental schemes, both will be wearing trousers from Penny's or Dunnes. I drop them to school with 2 other kids and their parents pick them up so no transport costs, no afterschool costs.

you could have saved a few more bob by putting the leather patches on the elbows.

NIMAN

I have a child in senior infants and there was not a chance of it costing anywhere near €1000 for him last year.

I'd say not even half of it.

Its to create a story for the media to hype. They were saying that parents were going to money lenders to get their kids back to school. So parents are borrowing money for the entire years lunches at the start of the year off money lenders? Of course they are.

osarusan

It's the 'back to school' version of those stories abut how the 'average' unemployed family gets x amount in benefits, but when it's actually broken down, its the most extreme/expensive outcome taken in every instance.

NIMAN

Winterlong wrote: »

To summarise. The report is a load of bollocks.

It was done by the ESRI, good to see they are reputable anyway.

fedor.2.

ceadaoin. wrote: »

Yes they should means test anyone who wants kids. Can't afford the projected cost of raising a child? Sterilization!

Ffs

I said it should be considered.

fedor.2.

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

You see that is classical idiotic shortsighted thinking. These kids will pay your pension through their taxes and private pension contributions, it's because of them you will be able to retire one day. If now only families have their 1.2 kids where both spouses are working and both earn the €40k minimum that is required to keep the house, holiday, pay for childcare, going out, have 2x max three year old cars in the drive, full Sky package and latest phones, tablets, laptop lifestyle, you will have to work until you're 75 and then your pension pot will be gone and the state pension will be a fiver a week.
People NEED to have kids, especially in Europe where birth rates are declining and if you are lucky enough to live in a country that has a good birth rate, count your blessings. Subsidizing them a tiny bit is merely an investment in your own future.
I don't know why the Irish hate kids so much (along with trees, animals and good food or beer) with people describing them as spawn, crotch goblins and whatnot.
These kids will pay your pension, plus decide what home you go to, so better be nice!

I pay in to my own pension, lad. The rest of your post is just drivel.

Gatling

We pay 300 for books and trips, crafts and anything in between and 80 on two school tracksuits
That's it ,
coats if they still fit and are in good condition they wear what they got last September,
Shoes or runners when needed ,
personally I don't see where €1000+ is coming from,
Be interested to see what parents are spending that much and why

Hellrazer

I dont think its ever cost me a grand combined for my three going back to school.Maybe the first year of secondary but then the books last 3 years.
Book rental schemes..brilliant way to save.
My two younger ones are one class apart so the books are passed on except for the workbooks.So a good saving there.
Uniforms are usually dunnes with a school jumper.
Lunches cant be considered back to school as youd be feeding them anyway if they weren't in school.
Voluntary contribution...no thanks.Its voluntary.

That report is a joke.
No way near reality figures.

The fecking birthday parties through the year cost more and thats not one bit of a joke.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

PARlance

Can't wait until we only have to fork out for this. We're paying approx. €20,000 a year at present on childcare alone for 2 pre-schoolers.

GHOST MGG

NIMAN wrote: »

I have a child in senior infants and there was not a chance of it costing anywhere near €1000 for him last year.

I'd say not even half of it.

Its to create a story for the media to hype. They were saying that parents were going to money lenders to get their kids back to school. So parents are borrowing money for the entire years lunches at the start of the year off money lenders? Of course they are.

Senior infants?..please..wait until you have two children starting secondary school..Books alone for my son were 312 euros (more books to come in december apparently) and that figure does not include copies,pens,set squares etc..a good bit less for my daughter as her school run a book system.Uniforms as well are expensive...and then there are the contributions through out the year..it all adds up.