HUNDREDS of children are likely to start the school year without a full uniform after a Faringdon firm failed to meet its orders.

Simply Schoolwear, which makes uniforms for 318 schools, including 57 schools, pre-schools and nurseries in Oxfordshire, said up to 1,500 customers will not receive all the items they had ordered in time for school.

It is the second year the company has failed to meet its orders ready for the start of the school term.

Managing director Paula Stockton said more than 14,000 orders had been filled, but it was waiting on stock from Blue Max Banner in Trowbridge.

She said: “That means there are hundreds of people who have one item or maybe more items ordered who have missed the school delivery.”

She said she was expecting 25 boxes of stock to arrive yesterday, which would then need embroidery, badges and logos attached. She estimated the new stock would be ready within a week.

Mrs Stockton said: “We did notify all parents when there were any serious delays and we contacted all the schools and told them about this, because we didn’t want anyone to feel they were going to get in trouble going to school in something they’re not supposed to.

“We are ready for the stock when it gets here and we have ourselves and embroiderers lined up ready to do the work.”

She estimated about 10 per cent of schools were affected.

She blamed last year’s delays on an unprecedented response to a promotional offer, resulting in higher than expected orders, and personal circumstances leaving the company short-staffed.

Refunds will be offered to customers who have not received clothes on time. People should call 0800 4046644.

A Blue Max Banner spokesman said: “We don’t make comment on specific customers.”