As July comes to a close, back to school costs loom large on the horizon.

With the continuing cost of living crisis putting pressure on families across the country, what can parents do to pare down expensive bills?

Presenter of The Home Show and consumer columnist with the Irish Independent Sinéad Ryan said that “small wins” such as the School Meals Scheme and the free books scheme have helped relieve some financial pressures.

However, she told Newstalk Breakfast that there are still other ways schools can make life easier for parents.

“One is on my personal bugbear, which is crests for uniforms,” Sinéad said.

“The Department has issued a circular to say to schools, where possible – and those two words are doing a lot of heavy lifting – you must use generic jumpers, jackets, coats, and buy your crest.

“Absolutely, kids should be identifiable in school colours with a crest, no problem.

“Most of the crests are available directly from manufacturers for about a fiver, right? Do it generic."

A group of school children in school uniforms. Image: NorthScape / Alamy Stock Photo

According to Sinéad, another Department circular said schools which require students to use electronic devices should not insist on specific brands being used.

“It is not the latest iPad that’s needed, it’s a computer that can support the programmes we have, which are limited,” she said.

“This isn’t the device that kids are going to be using at home.

“Generic devices, refurbished devices; the bog standard, the Lenovo’s rather than the Apple’s, I think are perfectly fine.”

@newstalkfm 'You feel a bit of shame around it.' Is it fair that parents are facing a hike in ‘voluntary' contributions this year as cash-pressed primary schools struggle to plug funding shortfalls? Single mother of three, Sarah and Principal Eoin joined Lunchtime Live to discuss. #ireland #irishtiktok #schools ♬ original sound - Newstalk

When it comes to parents who are struggling to pay voluntary contribution fees, Sinéad recommended engaging with the school principal.

“I have yet to meet a principal who did not understand,” she said.

“If you approach them and said, ‘Look, I can’t do €150 here, I just don’t have it, can I spread it out between now and May? Can I offer my time in lieu? Do you need kids with help with reading after school?’

“I’ve done that in my time; years as a single parent, I didn’t have the money to do it.”

Main image: An empty classroom, Alamy