about school uniform?

[SocksRock]

My daughter asked me yesterday if she could wear shorts to school as it was hot - thought nothing more of it, as my son who goes to the same school wears shorts all the time. I shortened a pair of her trousers for her (too short anyway so no loss), and off she went.

She came home saying a TA had told her girls weren't allowed to wear shorts, but I've had no letter from the school - checked the uniform policy and it does say that girls can only wear check dresses or skirts or trousers, whereas the boys can wear trousers or shorts.

AIBU to enquire with the school as to why girls can't wear shorts? They were smart navy, with school polo and jumper as required, navy blue short socks and smart black shoes. Exactly as she would have worn with a skirt.

I get that schools want to maintain a uniform appearance and am happy to support that by buying the correct uniform and keeping it clean and smart - but I do think that girls should be allowed to wear shorts if they want. She loves climbing and cartwheels and said it's easier in shorts than a dress.

[Welshmaenad]

It's too hot for trousers and skirts are impractical if she's active, of COURSE she should be able to wear shorts. Send a polite note back to that effect.

[gabsdot45]

Maybe it's something they never thought about. Maybe have a word with the teacher and make sure it's ok. Seems odd that there would be a problem.
Yet again I'm so glad my kid's school doesn't have a uniform.

[00100001]

It does seem odd they can wear trousers, but not shorts! I would ask that she be allowed to wear shorts, but I wouldn't make a huge deal out of it nor would I insist that she be allowed to wear shorts if they said no again.

Plenty of girls do cartwheels/climbing in dresses etc.

if she's bothered about showing her pants during cartwheels etc, she could maybe wear some hot pant style shorts under her dress?

[TedAndLola]

YANBU. There is no reason that boys should be able to wear shorts but not girls.

[FernGullysWoollyPully]

My 4 yr old dd wears my ds's school short cast offs! I've never considered that they wouldn't be allowed. If school told me otherwise I'd politely tell them to bugger off!

[cailindana]

See what they say - there might be no problem with it. If they do kick up a fuss then tackle them on it - it's not as if shorts are an unusual item of clothing.

[SocksRock]

They aren't allowed the hot pants under the dresses. Not smart enough apparently. I'll get her to help me write a letter asking if she can wear shorts (putting argument across for practically etc) and see what they say.

[girliefriend]

That seems weird, would definitely mention to the teacher. YANBU.

My dd doesn't like the summer dresses so always shorts in the summer.

[MrsNextDoor]

00100001 why wouldn't you insist? I bloody well would!

When I was a drama student I worked in a West End Theatre and female ushers weren't allowed trousers. I soon put a stop to that nonsense! OP....write a letter to the HT informing them that DD WILL be wearing shorts and she or he can't do a thing about it.

[SocksRock]

And I don't think she's worried about her pants showing, just that dresses end up right over your head which actually hinders being active.

[neddle]

I'd continue sending her in them until a teacher said something to me not her. Then I'd laugh in their face and say 'whyever not?'

[Iwantacampervan]

My daughters' primary let the girls wear tailored grey shorts even though they weren't on the official list. No one queried it and they are cooler than trousers which was useful when you have a daughter who refuses to wear skirts or dresses. In fact my eldest wore shorts to school for the whole of year 6 with ankle socks (even in the snow!)

[girliefriend]

If they say girls can't wear shorts I would kick off a little bit!!

[Tangerineandturquoise]

Is it possible the TA got it wrong.
TAs can be a very mixed bag of people, as can anyone working anywhere, but I have had the odd experience where a TA has said something and the school have rather sheepishly admitted she was wrong

[SocksRock]

Ah, no one is allowed shorts in winter. Easter to October half term only. I would support that as its equal treatment (although if the kids are daft enough to want to wear them in winter, it should be their choice maybe)

[TedAndLola]

It does seem odd they can wear trousers, but not shorts! I would ask that she be allowed to wear shorts, but I wouldn't make a huge deal out of it nor would I insist that she be allowed to wear shorts if they said no again.

Why not? This is the kind of arbitrary, nonsensical rule that should be challenged.

[SocksRock]

Tangerine, I checked the uniform policy - definitely shorts for the boys only.

[FrozenAteMyDaughter]

How can hot pants under dresses not be smart enough? Who sees them? Do they do pants checks (like my Mum's school used to in the olden days)?

[00100001]

mrsnextdoor I couldn't be bothered to fight it tbh If they refused to allow her, I'd probably just tell her to get on with it.

[girliefriend]

You can buy school shorts designed for girls in most Supermarkets, I wonder what they would make of culottes?! My dd has a lovely pair in grey not sure you could tell without looking closely that its not a skirt.

[Namelesswonder]

My DD has shorts which look like a skirt. Solves the skirt round the face problem. From M&S I think. She wears them all year round.

[HelpMeGetOutOfHere]

This is a recent thing I've noticed creeping in over the last couple of years.

The primary that dd used to go to has now enforced a no more than xcm above the knee, ideally on the knee policy as girls were coming in with short shorts on and it wasn't smart. The xcm on or abover the knee applies to boys as well.

e.g these aren't school requirements www.marksandspencer.com/girls-side-button-crease-resistant-shorts-with-stormwear/p/p22309124

whereas these ones are www.marksandspencer.com/girls-city-shorts-with-adjustable-waist-and-stormwear-/p/p22222588

my ds2 is yr 8 now but when he was in yr6 there was a trend for the girls to wear shorts shorter than the first link with black over the knee socks.

[HamishBamish]

I would query why the policy allows girls to wear trousers but not shorts (as for the boys). It seems strange to allow one and not the other.

[Fayrazzled]

I think you would be well within your rights to politely enquire. At my chidlren's school the uniform policy states trousers, skirts or culottes for girls. Whys shorts aren't included I don't know, I think they are arguably smarter than culottes which are shorts with an excess of fabric for goodness sake.

[chaletdays]

I'm with oo1. It's just not something I'd get into a big argument over. I think it's better to choose your battles and to teach your children to do likewise.