Chase School in Malvern calls for calm over school uniform plan

The Chase School came under fire from parents last week after it announced that from September, all school uniform will be supplied through Monkhouse in Worcester.

This is a departure from its normal supplier, Malvern Link company Kitz and Kidz.

It means parents having to make more than an hour round trip to buy uniform.

Now, following a petition signed by more than 350 parents against the move, The Chase has called for Monkhouse to be given a chance.

A school spokesperson said: "We will continue to review our uniform suppliers and if unsatisfied, will make changes accordingly.

"We would however urge parents to at least run with these arrangements in the first instance and give Monkhouse a chance to supply the school’s uniform."

The school was responding to Lee Smith, who runs Kitz and Kidz.

He said the school had refused to meet with him to discuss continuing to supply uniform.

He said he could supply the same uniforms as Monkhouse, but cheaper.

Responding to Mr Smith, the school denied refusing to meet with him, with the spokesperson adding: "The school has not refused meetings with Kitz and Kidz.

SUPPLY: Kitz and Kidz in Malvern Link

"On one occasion, a telephone call was scheduled but unfortunately this did not take place as they had operational issues.

"At the time, as we were adhering to our COVID measures, a face to face meeting was not possible.

"In June 2021, when tendering was due to start, the school had a discussion with Kitz for Kidz."

A petition against the move was set up by parents from The Chase.

They said they did not object to Monkhouse being chosen, but wanted the option of shopping in Malvern itself rather than travelling to Worcester for their unifom.

In its response to the petition, the school said it was running both drop-in sessions and click and collect to try and help parents who cannot travel to Worcester.

Since the dispute began, West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said she hoped parents were getting the right deal.

She said: "The Chase is a Malvern academy so I am surprised to learn that they have selected a uniform supplier in Worcester.

"I would hope their tendering process reflects the proximity of the supplier to their pupils and their families."